Forests discovered using photo-interpretation tool, and more Zedlines

The research was led by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and included teams of scientists and students from 15 organisations, including the University of Adelaide. The researchers carried out their analysis using photo-interpretation tool, Collect Earth, and discovered 467 hectares of what was considered dry land in Australia, was actually dense forest. University of Adelaide's plant conservation biology chairman, Professor Andrew Lowe said the findings mean scientists now have a new resource that can help mitigate climate change.   Concerns grow over planned Brisbane Metro There are concerns over the planned delivery of the $1.54 billion Brisbane metro, following the Brisbane City Council’s third review report of the 2016-17 budget. The document showed $3.7 million of the $16 million dedicated in this year’s budget to the planning and delivery of the Brisbane Metro business case has been moved over into the 2017-18 financial year. Council opposition leader Peter Cumming said the document is an example of the mismanagement of council projects by the LNP.   Virtual reality to educate teens on dangers of drugs and alcohol A Griffith University project, Blurred Minds, has developed a new game which uses virtual reality technology to educate teenagers about the dangers of drinking alcohol and taking drugs. The game allows for students to attend a virtual party, decide on how many drinks they consume, and experience the effects of each drink they consume. The game has been in development for almost two years, with the project to be trialled in 20 independent Catholic schools across Queensland.   Parliament to introduce random drug and alcohol screenings for politicians? A Coalition MP has labelled random drug and alcohol screenings for politicians a “no brainer”, echoing calls made by Senator Jacqui Lambie following the release of the budget. Llew O’Brien, the federal member for Wide Bay and a former policeman, said the nature of the politician’s role, and the protection they enjoy as a result of their parliamentary privilege, means the community deserves to be satisfied they are not impaired by alcohol or drugs before entering the parliamentary chamber. Mr O’Brien’s comments come amongst growing support for drug testing of welfare recipients, which was announced in the budget, be extended to politicians.   Canberra man granted bail after overstaying visa for 90 minutes A Canberra man who was detained in the United States for overstaying his visa by 90 minutes has been granted bail and given 120 days to leave the country and return to Australia. Baxter Reid was in the US on a B1/B2 visa which allowed him to stay in the country for five years but stipulated he must leave every six months to renew it. Mr Reid’s court ruling means he avoided a deportation order which would have seen him barred from the US for 10 years, despite the fact he had no criminal record or history of visa violations.   En Marche announces list of diverse parliamentary candidates The political party of presidential-elect, Emmanuel Macron, has announced a diverse list of 428 candidates for the French parliamentary elections next month. Half of the candidates are women, half are from civil society and only 24 are outgoing MPs from the current parliament. French Socialist politician, Richard Ferrand said the choices marked "the definitive return of citizens to the heart of our political life".