At a forum focussed on the unprecedented rejuvenation of Sydney’s western harbour earlier, private and public sector representatives discussed how best to promote an emerging super precinct, within the heart of which sits International Convention Centre Sydney. Chief executive of ICC Sydney and AEG Ogden Group conventions director Geoff Donaghy said although the international convention centre was set within its own dynamic precinct of Darling Harbour, the destination was further bolstered by the growth of neighbouring finance, technology, media and student hubs.

Hundreds of passengers are facing travel disruption after a volcanic eruption in Indonesia sent ash clouds over the region, forcing airlines to cancel flights to and from Northern Australia.

New South Wales has declared a state of emergency for the next 30 days as firefighters try to contain the worst bushfires the state has seen in four decades.

The Australia government has announced it is looking to recruit more than 190,000 migrants in the next 12 months. Paul Arthur, director, London-based migration specialists the Emigration Group said: “Australia’s economy is booming and they need the skilled workers from the UK and Europe to emigrate, to fill thousands of job vacancies.”

The strength of the Australian dollar remains the top concern of Australia’s tourism operators, the latest edition of the TTF-MasterCard Tourism Industry Sentiment Survey has found. With the dollar averaging US103.9 cents during the quarter – making it more expensive for international visitors coming to Australia and cheaper for Australians to travel internationally - it’s no surprise the exchange rate remains the tourism industry’s number one concern.

Tourism Australia has set the industry an ambitious goal of making Australia the world’s most talked about holiday destination in social media.