All-clear given after chemical factory fire

A CHEMICAL plant housing "dangerous goods" has been damaged by fire in Melbourne's north overnight.

Up to 10 trucks remain at the factory in Merola Way, Campbellfield, after the blaze started about 10.55pm.

The factory is an industrial waste plant that deals handles hazardous and industrial chemicals.

A witness reported flames and smoke were billowing from the ceiling of the factory.

Authorities do not yet know what "dangerous goods" could be inside the building.

MFB fire services communications controller Keith Robinson said a community warning was issued at 12.09am as crews battled the blaze.

“There was placarding on the outside indicating there were miscellaneous dangerous goods present.

“(But) it was brought under control at about 1.17am and an all-clear message was given at 4.09am with just a watch and duty on the premises.

“With the al- clear message it’s no longer a concern to the community.”

Mr Robinson said overnight crews had not yet confirmed the nature of the "dangerous goods" believed to be inside the building.

“That will be determined when fire investigators get to see what was involved. They will be attending the scene in the morning,” Mr Robinson said.

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Union bosses given notice on policy

UNIONS will be called on to explain why an industrial relations policy which urges Queensland Health managers to encourage union membership in the workplace should not be abolished.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg has announced he is reviewing the Union Encouragement human resources policy, which is linked to multiple QH enterprise bargaining agreements.

Unions will get two weeks to provide a submission on why the policy should remain.

The Newman Government will have to introduce legislative changes to scrap the provision.

According to the policy, QH managers and supervisors must encourage union membership.

"Queensland Health has made a commitment to encourage union membership among its employees," the policy states.

"Passive acceptance by management and supervisors of membership recruitment activity by unions does not satisfy the requirements of the agreement.

"Encouragement requires managers and supervisors to take a positive, supportive role."

Mr Springbord said he was "giving notice" that the rules are under review.

"We now need to review whether these policies are about delivering for patients and unions, or if they are about delivering for union bosses and Labor," Mr Springborg said.

"These designer rules were created to favour the political goals of the Labor party and have no place in a democracy or independent public service.

"Union bosses have two weeks to make submissions."

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Mega Aussie cruise ship port given OK

A new mega cruise ship port could be coming to Brisbane. Picture: Supplied Source: National Features

A MEGA cruise ship terminal could be built in Brisbane after city councillors voted in favour of the project.

Under the proposal, the existing terminal at Portside Wharf would be upgraded to allow larger cruise ships, such as the 345 metre-long Queen Mary 2, to dock.

Only ships up to 270m, including the P&O Aurora and the Oriana, can currently dock at the terminal.

The project is part of a wider draft Pinkenba/Eagle Farm neighbourhood plan - a document Brisbane councillors approved at a council meeting on Tuesday night.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk says a world class cruise terminal is essential for the city's economic development.

"From both an economic and tourism point of view it makes sense that we have a terminal that not only harbours the big ships but also shows the best of Brisbane when people dock," he told AAP.

It could be up to 10 years before the terminal is built, as the proposal is part of a long term plan

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