Southeast Queensland remains on flood alert as heavy rain continues to fall. One man has drowned and a woman is missing in the floodwaters. Gimpie is preparing for its second flood this year, the Marry River is expected to peak at 16 meters this morning. In the Lockyer Valley residents in low lying areas are being urged to evacuate.

 

And in the west communities in the Pilbara are preparing for a huge cyclone heading their way, severe tropical cyclone Rusty has already brought strong winds and heavy rain to the region. Residents have been stocking up supplies, and mining operations are at stand still. The category 3 cyclone is now 190 kilometers north northeast Port Hedland. It's expected to cross the coast in the next couple of days.

 

Britain's most senior Catholic cleric has quit amid allegations of inappropriate conduct. Cardinal Keith O'Brien has been accused of inappropriate behavior towards priests in the 1980s. He's denied the claims.

 

A second opinion poll in a week shows Julia Gillard trailing Tony Abbott as preferred prime minister, the Opposition leader has a four-point lead in the latest newspoll. Trade administer Craig Emerson has told News Breakfast the prime minister will spend time in western Sydney over the next week listening to the concerns of voters.