Africa Directory

H2-WHOA! Australian town bans bottled water sales (AP)

AP - Residents of a rural Australian town hoping to protect the earth and their wallets have voted to ban the sale of bottled water, the first community in the country ? and possibly the world ? to take such a drastic step in the growing backlash against the industry.

China says 4 Rio Tinto staff held for spying (AFP)

AFP - Four employees of Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto have been detained in China for allegedly stealing state secrets, the Shanghai branch of the state security authority said.

Australia to ban tourists climbing celebrated rock (AFP)

AFP - Australia on Wednesday announced plans to stop tourists climbing Uluru, the giant red rock sacred to Aborigines and formerly known as Ayers Rock, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.

Australia's plan to ban Uluru climb sparks debate (Reuters)

Reuters - An Australian government proposal to stop people from climbing the famed Uluru, in deference to the wishes of indigenous people, sparked debate on Wednesday with lawmakers opposing the plan.

Australia pledges millions to Aborigines (AFP)

AFP - Australia announced a 155 million US dollar package for isolated Aboriginal communities on Friday, after a new report revealed shocking levels of child abuse among the downtrodden minority.