Australian news and politics recap: China sets ambitious 5 per cent growth target in response to tariff blow

“I have every faith in Queenslanders to handle these events, every faith, history has shown that,” Premier Crisafulli said during a media update.

“There is not many states that are as disaster resilient as this one anywhere on the planet.

“This is a very rare event. It is an extremely rare event. It has been half a century since a system of this size crossed this far south.

“But they do happen and you can get through them if you do the preparation now.’

Premier Crisafulli said 1000 Energex crew were ready to leap into action to help restore power after the cyclone passes through.

“We have contractors ready to help clean the debris.

“It is essential that we get power connected as quickly as we can after an event like this.

“The safest place for you during the event is at home, and if, when a cyclone crosses, very often power is the first thing that goes out and there is the prospect of live lines and people have to be really cautious of that.

“Right now you need to know that those crews are ready to serve and again we thank them.”

Schools have closed, and elective surgeries have been cancelled until further notice as south-east Queensland prepares for a battering from Cyclone Alfred.

“There will be no school tomorrow or Friday and we will update people into the future,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“Public transport, buses and trains will cease operating from the last service today and they won’t be open on Thursday and Friday as well.

A maritime red alert has been issued with no vessels permitted from now without the express approval of the harbourmaster.

Premier Crisafulli has reiterated his warning those in vulnerable areas must act now.

“The best time to leave your home is not in the middle of the night on a high tide with a cyclone crossing the coast.

“If you are in a vulnerable area and you have got the opportunity to stay with friends and family, it is a decision you should take.”

The Gold Coast Airport is set to shut its doors within the hour.

Meanwhile, Brisbane Airport will “continue to liaise with its airlines”, Premier Crisafulli said.

“That is a decision for them, and we are urging both passengers to take the advice directly from your airline.”

“To the other residents, the vast majority of Queenslanders (outside the storm tide zone) this large population area in the south-east, the safest place for you is at home, with your family,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“If you do the precautions now, your home is the safest place.

“Take the opportunity to clear your yard of loose items. Take the opportunity to remove any trees that might be hanging over your roof. Get your valuables into one location, bottled water and tinned food.

“The windows is closing to do that and it is really important that you do.”

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli is giving another cyclone update, saying we are now moving into the second phase of the cyclone advancing.

“That is those damaging and destructive winds,” he said.

“They will come as the cyclone crosses the coast and it is important that people make their preparations.

“Those people who are in those storm tide zones, you will make an informed decision based on the information you have got.

“Our preference is for you to stay with friends and family. That is always the best option.

“If you have the means and you can, go to a motel. If that is not an option, the evacuation centres are available as a last resort, of course.

“We want people to be safe.”

On the other side of the world to Donald Trump’s State of the Union, Xi Jingping has been laying out his vision for the Chinese economy - one that requires a cut in steel to reduce a glut and restore mill profitability.

In a speech to the National People’s Congress, China has called for a “restructuring” of the industry, potentially reducing output by 50 million tonnes. According to Huw McKay a former economist at BHP, the announcement suggested less profitable mills, taking lower quality iron ore would be most affected.

Iron ore futures sunk by as much as 1.3 per cent to below $US100 a tonne in Singapore, while Australian miners with lower grade deposits such as Fortescue, Mineral Resources and Champion Iron fell sharply.

Queenslanders in the path of Cyclone Alfred have been warned to be indoors and have their property secured by 6pm today (Wednesday) as the clock ticks down to the Category Two storm landing some time on Thursday night or early Friday morning.

Alerts have been sent to residents warning them take shelter until further notice with destructive wind gusts and significant flooding forecast to begin by 6pm.

Local governments are advising that if people have been instructed to evacuate or do not feel safe in their home, to ensure they are in a safe place by 6pm, ideally with family or friends and to use evacuation centres as a last resort.

Qantas says it has cancelled flights into south-east Queensland and northern NSW as Cyclone Alfred approaches.

Flights in and out of the Gold Goast will be suspended for at least 24 hours from 4pm AEST.

Coffs Harbour flights will be suspended from midnight until midday on Thursday.

Ballina flights have been suspended until midnight on Thursday and Lord Howe Island flights have also been suspended.

Flights to and from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast will continue for now.

“The situation remains fluid and flight cancellations and delays will evolve over the coming days,” a Qantas Group spokesperson said.

“We encourage our customers to regularly check the Qantas app, Qantas.com and Jetstar.com, and their email and SMS channels, as we will update them directly or via their travel agent.