TODAY'S TOP STORIES
- The Liberals' new racing and gaming spokesman, Mark Parton, has defended his part-lease in two racehorses, saying his involvement in the industry leaves him well-placed to take on the shadow portfolio.
- The man behind the Canberra City Bowling Club redevelopment was disgusted to find dozens of posters claiming his plans for the site would turn a quiet street into a nightmare.
- Centrelink has apologised to hundreds of users of the myGov web portal after their contact details were shared with hundreds of strangers – twice.
- A new antenna that may one day help humans communicate from Mars to Earth will be officially unveiled near Canberra on Thursday.
- Ever donated unwanted items to The Green Shed? They could have been turned into designer items.
- In sport: The Australian cricket team gets the chance to atone for humiliating whitewashes overseas when the first Test against South Africa begins in Perth today.
TRAFFIC
10.04am: Emergency Services Agency says there were no injuries at the crash on Namatjira Drive in Weston. Police say the lane has re-opened, but they are still on the scene directing traffic.
9.22am: That crash at Weston is still causing some traffic issues, police say ACT Ambulance Service has attended.
8.51am: Police say a lane is still blocked after that crash on Namatjira Drive, it's at the intersection of Conder St, although they can't say which lane.
8.23am: We have a report of firetrucks on Flinders Way, outside Coles in Manuka, and the building looks to have been evacuated. No official word on what's happening in there, so may just be a smoke alarm, but there's a bit of traffic about at the shops there.
8.07am: There's been a two-vehicle crash on Namatjira Drive in Weston, apparently there's a lane blocked, so take care if you're heading along there.
If you see any accidents or have any info on the morning commute, let us know whenever it is safe to do so. Email morningblog@canberratimes.com.au or tweet us @canberratimes.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Both directions of Hamer Street in Gungahlin will be closed from 7am to 6pm until tomorrow.
Also in Gungahlin, the eastbound direction of Morriset Road will be closed until tomorrow.
Wentworth Avenue leading to Eyre Street in Kingston will be closed until November 30.
Sections of Parramatta Street in Phillip will be closed until November 30.
Lane closures, reduced speed limits & minor delays at Fed Hwy Int from 6am - 4pm on wkdays 1st - 8th Nov 2016. Info: https://t.co/EKvTM3oO6R pic.twitter.com/5rilbyoDeC
— TCCS (@TCCS_ACT) October 31, 2016
WHAT'S ON TODAY:
- Paul Kelly and Camille O'Sullivan star in the evocative new music theatre work, Ancient Rain, at Canberra Theatre Centre from November 2-4. Tickets from $59.
- The Canberra International Film Festival continues until tomorrow.
TODAY'S CARTOON
Touch or click through for more David Pope
WEATHER
Today: Patchy fog in the early morning. Sunny day. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the early afternoon then becoming light in the evening. Max 23.
Friday: Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming westerly 20 to 30 km/h in the middle of the day then tending northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the evening. Min 6, max 25.
Saturday: Partly cloudy. Winds northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h tending westerly 25 to 40 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Min 10, max 17.
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Winds northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h tending westerly 20 to 30 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Min 5, max 20.