Sydney  - A record-breaking heat wave in February buckled Melbourne's brand-new 120-metre observation wheel so badly that it will be out action for over a year, owners of the big-budget tourist attraction said Friday.

The giant ferris wheel, costing 100 million Australia dollars (65 million US dollars), was shut down six weeks after opening after Australia's second-biggest city recorded a temperature of 45.5 degrees - the highest in 70 years.

The wheel, which has 21 cabins and provides 360-degree views, will be disassembled and repaired off site.

Sydney - Austral

Sydney - Austra

Sydney - Armed bandits have stolen about 100 kilograms of gold worth over 3 million US dollars from Australia-based Resolute Mining limited's gold mine in Tanzania, company officials said Thursday.

Resolute's Golden Pride goldmine is 750 kilometres from Dar es Salaam.

"Resolute Mining Limited advises that there was an armed robbery last night at its Golden Pride goldmine in Tanzania," a statement from the company posted on its website said. "There were no fatalities and the intruders stole approximately

Sydney - Chinese firm Minmetals on Thursday received approval from Canberra to buy mining assets from cash-strapped Australian copper and gold producer OZ Minerals Ltd. Treasurer Wayne Swan said that Minmetals (China Minmetals Non-ferrous Metals Company Ltd) would be required to operate the mines as a "separate business with commercial objectives and using companies incorporated, headquartered and managed in Australia under a predominantly Australian management team."

Sydney, Apr 23 : Camden's residents have united to condemn the Quranic Society, which wants to build an Islamic school in Camden, south west of Sydney for espousing views which are "incompatible with the Australian way of life".

An Islamic school in Camden would be "a breeding ground for terrorists," says a resident who gave evidence in support of Camden Council at an appeal against its decision to block the school.