Bike rider fatally hit by bus outside Taronga Zoo remembered as loving dad and motorsport figure
New Zealand businessman and motor racing entrepreneur, Tim Miles was on a morning ride with his wife on a cycling track outside Taronga Zoo when he was struck.
Paramedics rushed to Bradleys Head Rd in Mosman about 10.35am on Sunday, however, Miles was pronounced dead at the scene.
The bus driver was not injured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Another four people were onboard the bus at the time of the accident, and none were injured.
In a statement, Miles' family said the world had lost a 'bright, shining light'.
'Tim was involved in a tragic and ultimately fatal accident this Sunday morning in Sydney while enjoying one of his favourite hobbies — cycling,' the 50-year-old's family said.
'His loss is keenly felt by friends and family, especially wife, Tracy, and daughters Caley and Erin.
'Tim was a family man, though one who loved nothing more than stressing out his beloved Tracy about his latest motorsport-related purchase or adventure, all the while proudly telling stories of his two daughters' successes in life.
Miles' family said he was born in Ashburton on New Zealand's South Island and initially chased his dream as a racing driver, before focusing on the business side of the sport.
'His passing will be notably impactful on his other love — a motorsport community that felt Tim's impact as a competitor, an owner, a supporter and as a businessman for more than 35 years.
'It was through his success in business that allowed him to extend his passion for motorsport and his family, the two of which often intertwined.'
Supercars Australia also paid tribute to Miles, who they called a keen racer and 'pivotal figure' in the sport.
'Supercars is saddened to learn of the passing of Tim Miles, an extraordinary figure in Australian motorsport,' the organisation said in a statement.
'As a corporate advisor and former team owner, Tim played a crucial role in shaping the future of Supercars.'
The group said Miles was instrumental in the sale of Supercars to Archer Capital in 2011 through his company Miles Advisory Partners.
'In 2021, Tim brokered the sale of Supercars to Racing Australia Consolidated Enterprises Pty Ltd,' it said.
'The proud Kiwi was a regular competitor in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and GT World Challenge Australia. This year, he was competing with Melbourne Performance Centre and Audi alongside countryman Brendon Leitch.'
Miles was previously a co-owner of Triple Eight Race Engineering team, and was also the co-founder of Tasman Motorsport.
An investigation into the fatal incident is continuing, and a report will be prepared for the coroner, police said.
Anyone with information or any footage of the incident urged to contact crime stoppers.
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Merlier edges out Milan after crash-marred Tour stage
Tim Merlier has won the third stage of the Tour de France after a chaotic sprint finish on a crash-marred section that saw the Belgian edge just ahead of Italian rider Jonathan Milan. The Soudal Quick-Step rider needed a photo finish to confirm he ended narrowly in front of Milan at the finish line in the coastal city of Dunkerque. "He will be, as soon as possible, transferred to the hospital in Herentals, where he will undergo surgery." While Philipsen, who was also wearing the green jersey, ended his Tour on a sour note, it will give an opportunity to his Australian teammate Kaden Groves, who could step into the breach as lead sprinter for Alpecin-Deceuninck, despite this being his Tour de France debut. The winner of nine stages across the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana, the 26-year-old Queenslander played his part in helping Philipsen to victory on day one. He finished seventh in the chasing pack on Monday and now becomes his team's main sprint focus. Philipsen's manager Philip Roodhooft said: "It's clear that the other two riders collided and as a result Jasper was hit and crashed badly. There's a reason for it but we're not talking about who's to blame, it's a case of bad luck and an incident in the race," "But obviously the circumstances for us as a team and for Jasper individually are terrible," he said. "It's a blow to the mental health of the whole team and it's the worst thing for Jasper. But it goes on." Coquard was visibly emotional in the aftermath of the race. "I was clearly off balance and lost the pedal. I'd like to apologise to Philipsen and Alpecin, even if it wasn't deliberate. Even though I'm not a bad lad, it wasn't pleasant," he said. The next highest Australian stage three finishers were Robert Stannard (Bahrain-Victorious) 47th, Jarrad Drizners (Lotto) 57th, Jack Haig (Bahrain-Victorious) 103rd, Michael Storer, Ben O'Connor (Jayco AlUla) 130th and Harry Sweeny (EF Education) 136th. O'Connor (Jayco AlUla), Australia's main hope for the General Classification, has moved himself up one more place to ninth position overall. The peloton rode closely together for most of the 178.3 km flat stage from Valenciennes to Dunkerque. Seemingly cautious, the riders held back from making any decisive moves, with nearly the entire group staying in the peloton until the final stretch, setting up a mass sprint finish. "It was a really hard battle. It was difficult to be in position," Merlier said. "I think from two kilometres I fought back from behind to come back in position, and I was in the wind all the time, and only with 500 metres to go I found a bit of slipstream. I know next to Milan is always difficult." The messy finale saw two separate crashes within the last 3km with the first one bringing down several riders, including Geraint Thomas, Jordi Meeus and Remco Evenepoel. 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Coquard was visibly emotional in the aftermath of the race. "I was clearly off balance and lost the pedal. I'd like to apologise to Philipsen and Alpecin, even if it wasn't deliberate. Even though I'm not a bad lad, it wasn't pleasant," he said. The next highest Australian stage three finishers were Robert Stannard (Bahrain-Victorious) 47th, Jarrad Drizners (Lotto) 57th, Jack Haig (Bahrain-Victorious) 103rd, Michael Storer, Ben O'Connor (Jayco AlUla) 130th and Harry Sweeny (EF Education) 136th. O'Connor (Jayco AlUla), Australia's main hope for the General Classification, has moved himself up one more place to ninth position overall. The peloton rode closely together for most of the 178.3 km flat stage from Valenciennes to Dunkerque. Seemingly cautious, the riders held back from making any decisive moves, with nearly the entire group staying in the peloton until the final stretch, setting up a mass sprint finish. "It was a really hard battle. It was difficult to be in position," Merlier said. "I think from two kilometres I fought back from behind to come back in position, and I was in the wind all the time, and only with 500 metres to go I found a bit of slipstream. I know next to Milan is always difficult." The messy finale saw two separate crashes within the last 3km with the first one bringing down several riders, including Geraint Thomas, Jordi Meeus and Remco Evenepoel. Just ahead of the final corner, several riders lost control and went down, including Alexis Renard, Cees Bol, and Paul Penhoet, who chose to walk his bike across the finish line. Tuesday's 174-km fourth stage starts from Amiens and ends with five consecutive small climbs to the Normandy city of Rouen. Tim Merlier has won the third stage of the Tour de France after a chaotic sprint finish on a crash-marred section that saw the Belgian edge just ahead of Italian rider Jonathan Milan. The Soudal Quick-Step rider needed a photo finish to confirm he ended narrowly in front of Milan at the finish line in the coastal city of Dunkerque. "He will be, as soon as possible, transferred to the hospital in Herentals, where he will undergo surgery." While Philipsen, who was also wearing the green jersey, ended his Tour on a sour note, it will give an opportunity to his Australian teammate Kaden Groves, who could step into the breach as lead sprinter for Alpecin-Deceuninck, despite this being his Tour de France debut. The winner of nine stages across the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana, the 26-year-old Queenslander played his part in helping Philipsen to victory on day one. He finished seventh in the chasing pack on Monday and now becomes his team's main sprint focus. Philipsen's manager Philip Roodhooft said: "It's clear that the other two riders collided and as a result Jasper was hit and crashed badly. There's a reason for it but we're not talking about who's to blame, it's a case of bad luck and an incident in the race," "But obviously the circumstances for us as a team and for Jasper individually are terrible," he said. "It's a blow to the mental health of the whole team and it's the worst thing for Jasper. But it goes on." Coquard was visibly emotional in the aftermath of the race. "I was clearly off balance and lost the pedal. I'd like to apologise to Philipsen and Alpecin, even if it wasn't deliberate. Even though I'm not a bad lad, it wasn't pleasant," he said. The next highest Australian stage three finishers were Robert Stannard (Bahrain-Victorious) 47th, Jarrad Drizners (Lotto) 57th, Jack Haig (Bahrain-Victorious) 103rd, Michael Storer, Ben O'Connor (Jayco AlUla) 130th and Harry Sweeny (EF Education) 136th. O'Connor (Jayco AlUla), Australia's main hope for the General Classification, has moved himself up one more place to ninth position overall. 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Tuesday's 174-km fourth stage starts from Amiens and ends with five consecutive small climbs to the Normandy city of Rouen. Tim Merlier has won the third stage of the Tour de France after a chaotic sprint finish on a crash-marred section that saw the Belgian edge just ahead of Italian rider Jonathan Milan. The Soudal Quick-Step rider needed a photo finish to confirm he ended narrowly in front of Milan at the finish line in the coastal city of Dunkerque. "He will be, as soon as possible, transferred to the hospital in Herentals, where he will undergo surgery." While Philipsen, who was also wearing the green jersey, ended his Tour on a sour note, it will give an opportunity to his Australian teammate Kaden Groves, who could step into the breach as lead sprinter for Alpecin-Deceuninck, despite this being his Tour de France debut. The winner of nine stages across the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana, the 26-year-old Queenslander played his part in helping Philipsen to victory on day one. He finished seventh in the chasing pack on Monday and now becomes his team's main sprint focus. Philipsen's manager Philip Roodhooft said: "It's clear that the other two riders collided and as a result Jasper was hit and crashed badly. There's a reason for it but we're not talking about who's to blame, it's a case of bad luck and an incident in the race," "But obviously the circumstances for us as a team and for Jasper individually are terrible," he said. "It's a blow to the mental health of the whole team and it's the worst thing for Jasper. But it goes on." Coquard was visibly emotional in the aftermath of the race. "I was clearly off balance and lost the pedal. I'd like to apologise to Philipsen and Alpecin, even if it wasn't deliberate. Even though I'm not a bad lad, it wasn't pleasant," he said. The next highest Australian stage three finishers were Robert Stannard (Bahrain-Victorious) 47th, Jarrad Drizners (Lotto) 57th, Jack Haig (Bahrain-Victorious) 103rd, Michael Storer, Ben O'Connor (Jayco AlUla) 130th and Harry Sweeny (EF Education) 136th. O'Connor (Jayco AlUla), Australia's main hope for the General Classification, has moved himself up one more place to ninth position overall. The peloton rode closely together for most of the 178.3 km flat stage from Valenciennes to Dunkerque. Seemingly cautious, the riders held back from making any decisive moves, with nearly the entire group staying in the peloton until the final stretch, setting up a mass sprint finish. "It was a really hard battle. It was difficult to be in position," Merlier said. "I think from two kilometres I fought back from behind to come back in position, and I was in the wind all the time, and only with 500 metres to go I found a bit of slipstream. I know next to Milan is always difficult." The messy finale saw two separate crashes within the last 3km with the first one bringing down several riders, including Geraint Thomas, Jordi Meeus and Remco Evenepoel. Just ahead of the final corner, several riders lost control and went down, including Alexis Renard, Cees Bol, and Paul Penhoet, who chose to walk his bike across the finish line. Tuesday's 174-km fourth stage starts from Amiens and ends with five consecutive small climbs to the Normandy city of Rouen.
The Advertiser
37 minutes ago
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Weather conditions have both helped and hindered production, as rainfall in NSW and Queensland improved soil moisture, boosted summer crop yields and gave winter sowing a strong start. However, heavy rainfall and flooding in both states has damaged farm infrastructure and reduced livestock numbers in some regions. At the same time, severe drought in parts of South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria has stifled production, upped the cost of feed and created a poor cropping outlook. With varying long-term rainfall forecasts across the nation, weather will be key to performance in the final half of the year, the report said. "The season so far underscores the growing unpredictability of Australia's agricultural climate, demanding resilience and adaptability across the sector from producers and the broader supply chain." The environmental challenges have been exacerbated by uncertainty in global conditions, with tariff announcements from the US and China creating volatility in trade. But those moves could improve the chances of a deal with the EU, which would be positive news for beef and lamb exports. "Overall, the outlook for Australian agriculture is cautiously optimistic amidst the potential for improved seasonal conditions combined with rising consumer demand and lower interest rates," the report said. "While the heightened uncertainty within the global trade environment remains a headwind for producers, processors and exporters alike, favourable trade terms and strong demand is expected to provide ongoing support." With droughts on one side of the country, floods on the other, and political volatility overseas, Australia's agriculture industry has been right in the thick of it. But there is reason for "cautious optimism" in the $90.7 billion sector as uncertain conditions create both threats and opportunities for the nation's producers, according to Bendigo Bank's mid-year agriculture outlook. Cropping, horticulture and cattle were forecast to be on the up in the second half of 2025, while prices for sheep and wool would remain stable, the report released on Tuesday showed. Aussie beef will continue to be on the menu in the US, where herd numbers are in decline due to drought and increased costs of agricultural inputs "Demand for beef is set to remain firm as the US reduction in supply continues to favour Australian producers," Bendigo Bank executive Neil Burgess said. Weather conditions have both helped and hindered production, as rainfall in NSW and Queensland improved soil moisture, boosted summer crop yields and gave winter sowing a strong start. However, heavy rainfall and flooding in both states has damaged farm infrastructure and reduced livestock numbers in some regions. At the same time, severe drought in parts of South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria has stifled production, upped the cost of feed and created a poor cropping outlook. With varying long-term rainfall forecasts across the nation, weather will be key to performance in the final half of the year, the report said. "The season so far underscores the growing unpredictability of Australia's agricultural climate, demanding resilience and adaptability across the sector from producers and the broader supply chain." The environmental challenges have been exacerbated by uncertainty in global conditions, with tariff announcements from the US and China creating volatility in trade. But those moves could improve the chances of a deal with the EU, which would be positive news for beef and lamb exports. "Overall, the outlook for Australian agriculture is cautiously optimistic amidst the potential for improved seasonal conditions combined with rising consumer demand and lower interest rates," the report said. "While the heightened uncertainty within the global trade environment remains a headwind for producers, processors and exporters alike, favourable trade terms and strong demand is expected to provide ongoing support." With droughts on one side of the country, floods on the other, and political volatility overseas, Australia's agriculture industry has been right in the thick of it. But there is reason for "cautious optimism" in the $90.7 billion sector as uncertain conditions create both threats and opportunities for the nation's producers, according to Bendigo Bank's mid-year agriculture outlook. Cropping, horticulture and cattle were forecast to be on the up in the second half of 2025, while prices for sheep and wool would remain stable, the report released on Tuesday showed. Aussie beef will continue to be on the menu in the US, where herd numbers are in decline due to drought and increased costs of agricultural inputs "Demand for beef is set to remain firm as the US reduction in supply continues to favour Australian producers," Bendigo Bank executive Neil Burgess said. Weather conditions have both helped and hindered production, as rainfall in NSW and Queensland improved soil moisture, boosted summer crop yields and gave winter sowing a strong start. However, heavy rainfall and flooding in both states has damaged farm infrastructure and reduced livestock numbers in some regions. At the same time, severe drought in parts of South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria has stifled production, upped the cost of feed and created a poor cropping outlook. With varying long-term rainfall forecasts across the nation, weather will be key to performance in the final half of the year, the report said. "The season so far underscores the growing unpredictability of Australia's agricultural climate, demanding resilience and adaptability across the sector from producers and the broader supply chain." The environmental challenges have been exacerbated by uncertainty in global conditions, with tariff announcements from the US and China creating volatility in trade. But those moves could improve the chances of a deal with the EU, which would be positive news for beef and lamb exports. "Overall, the outlook for Australian agriculture is cautiously optimistic amidst the potential for improved seasonal conditions combined with rising consumer demand and lower interest rates," the report said. "While the heightened uncertainty within the global trade environment remains a headwind for producers, processors and exporters alike, favourable trade terms and strong demand is expected to provide ongoing support." With droughts on one side of the country, floods on the other, and political volatility overseas, Australia's agriculture industry has been right in the thick of it. But there is reason for "cautious optimism" in the $90.7 billion sector as uncertain conditions create both threats and opportunities for the nation's producers, according to Bendigo Bank's mid-year agriculture outlook. Cropping, horticulture and cattle were forecast to be on the up in the second half of 2025, while prices for sheep and wool would remain stable, the report released on Tuesday showed. Aussie beef will continue to be on the menu in the US, where herd numbers are in decline due to drought and increased costs of agricultural inputs "Demand for beef is set to remain firm as the US reduction in supply continues to favour Australian producers," Bendigo Bank executive Neil Burgess said. Weather conditions have both helped and hindered production, as rainfall in NSW and Queensland improved soil moisture, boosted summer crop yields and gave winter sowing a strong start. However, heavy rainfall and flooding in both states has damaged farm infrastructure and reduced livestock numbers in some regions. At the same time, severe drought in parts of South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria has stifled production, upped the cost of feed and created a poor cropping outlook. With varying long-term rainfall forecasts across the nation, weather will be key to performance in the final half of the year, the report said. "The season so far underscores the growing unpredictability of Australia's agricultural climate, demanding resilience and adaptability across the sector from producers and the broader supply chain." The environmental challenges have been exacerbated by uncertainty in global conditions, with tariff announcements from the US and China creating volatility in trade. But those moves could improve the chances of a deal with the EU, which would be positive news for beef and lamb exports. "Overall, the outlook for Australian agriculture is cautiously optimistic amidst the potential for improved seasonal conditions combined with rising consumer demand and lower interest rates," the report said. "While the heightened uncertainty within the global trade environment remains a headwind for producers, processors and exporters alike, favourable trade terms and strong demand is expected to provide ongoing support."
The Advertiser
37 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Call to axe 'nuisance' levies as US tariffs wreak havoc
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The US tariffs would also likely lead capital to flow out of America and high-tariffed countries, benefiting other economies like Australia. This means Liberation Day tariffs, alongside Mr Trump's levies on steel and aluminium, could lead to a 0.37 per cent increase in Australia's real gross domestic product and a 30.9 per cent increase in US demand for Australian exports. While it is unclear whether Australia could negotiate a tariff exemption, the government could take things into its own hands by removing more of its own "nuisance" levies. It has already abolished almost 500 of these tariffs, which impose high costs on businesses and generate little revenue, but the commission identified another 315 that could be urgently removed. "Australia is best served by continuing to advocate for free and fair trade - and that's exactly what we've done," Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in response to the report. Australia has been urged to push for free markets, avoid a trade war and reduce its own "nuisance" levies as the world braces for the resumption of US tariffs. While President Donald Trump's tariffs are unlikely to have a significant direct impact on Australia when he lifts a pause on reciprocal levies on August 1, the uncertainty they create could wreak havoc on living standards across the globe. Were it not for that, modelling from the Productivity Commission has found Australia could receive some benefits from US tariffs. But the federal government's independent research and advisory body has recommended Australia mitigate impacts by committing to free trade agreements, reducing some of its own tariffs and working towards open markets - offering much-needed certainty for exporters. Any retaliatory tariffs could escalate into a broader trade war, potentially exacerbating uncertainty, which the commission warned would bring "serious consequences". In 2025, economic uncertainty in Australia and across the world reached its highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic. The speed, frequency and varying scope of Mr Trump's tariffs created an environment where world trade could be transformed at any time and without warning, creating uncertainty that could slow economic activity, household consumption and investment. Of the scenarios modelled by the commission, Australia would do better under a "Liberation Day" situation where - much like the real event - Australia's exports face only the baseline tariff of 10 per cent while other countries' goods are hit with higher rates. Since Australian items are impacted by a lower rate, they would be comparatively cheaper, meaning American consumers would shift demand to Australia. Lower US demand for other countries' imports would decrease their price, reducing the cost of import inputs used in Australian production. The US tariffs would also likely lead capital to flow out of America and high-tariffed countries, benefiting other economies like Australia. This means Liberation Day tariffs, alongside Mr Trump's levies on steel and aluminium, could lead to a 0.37 per cent increase in Australia's real gross domestic product and a 30.9 per cent increase in US demand for Australian exports. While it is unclear whether Australia could negotiate a tariff exemption, the government could take things into its own hands by removing more of its own "nuisance" levies. It has already abolished almost 500 of these tariffs, which impose high costs on businesses and generate little revenue, but the commission identified another 315 that could be urgently removed. "Australia is best served by continuing to advocate for free and fair trade - and that's exactly what we've done," Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in response to the report. Australia has been urged to push for free markets, avoid a trade war and reduce its own "nuisance" levies as the world braces for the resumption of US tariffs. While President Donald Trump's tariffs are unlikely to have a significant direct impact on Australia when he lifts a pause on reciprocal levies on August 1, the uncertainty they create could wreak havoc on living standards across the globe. Were it not for that, modelling from the Productivity Commission has found Australia could receive some benefits from US tariffs. But the federal government's independent research and advisory body has recommended Australia mitigate impacts by committing to free trade agreements, reducing some of its own tariffs and working towards open markets - offering much-needed certainty for exporters. Any retaliatory tariffs could escalate into a broader trade war, potentially exacerbating uncertainty, which the commission warned would bring "serious consequences". In 2025, economic uncertainty in Australia and across the world reached its highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic. The speed, frequency and varying scope of Mr Trump's tariffs created an environment where world trade could be transformed at any time and without warning, creating uncertainty that could slow economic activity, household consumption and investment. Of the scenarios modelled by the commission, Australia would do better under a "Liberation Day" situation where - much like the real event - Australia's exports face only the baseline tariff of 10 per cent while other countries' goods are hit with higher rates. Since Australian items are impacted by a lower rate, they would be comparatively cheaper, meaning American consumers would shift demand to Australia. Lower US demand for other countries' imports would decrease their price, reducing the cost of import inputs used in Australian production. The US tariffs would also likely lead capital to flow out of America and high-tariffed countries, benefiting other economies like Australia. This means Liberation Day tariffs, alongside Mr Trump's levies on steel and aluminium, could lead to a 0.37 per cent increase in Australia's real gross domestic product and a 30.9 per cent increase in US demand for Australian exports. While it is unclear whether Australia could negotiate a tariff exemption, the government could take things into its own hands by removing more of its own "nuisance" levies. It has already abolished almost 500 of these tariffs, which impose high costs on businesses and generate little revenue, but the commission identified another 315 that could be urgently removed. "Australia is best served by continuing to advocate for free and fair trade - and that's exactly what we've done," Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in response to the report. Australia has been urged to push for free markets, avoid a trade war and reduce its own "nuisance" levies as the world braces for the resumption of US tariffs. While President Donald Trump's tariffs are unlikely to have a significant direct impact on Australia when he lifts a pause on reciprocal levies on August 1, the uncertainty they create could wreak havoc on living standards across the globe. Were it not for that, modelling from the Productivity Commission has found Australia could receive some benefits from US tariffs. But the federal government's independent research and advisory body has recommended Australia mitigate impacts by committing to free trade agreements, reducing some of its own tariffs and working towards open markets - offering much-needed certainty for exporters. Any retaliatory tariffs could escalate into a broader trade war, potentially exacerbating uncertainty, which the commission warned would bring "serious consequences". In 2025, economic uncertainty in Australia and across the world reached its highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic. The speed, frequency and varying scope of Mr Trump's tariffs created an environment where world trade could be transformed at any time and without warning, creating uncertainty that could slow economic activity, household consumption and investment. Of the scenarios modelled by the commission, Australia would do better under a "Liberation Day" situation where - much like the real event - Australia's exports face only the baseline tariff of 10 per cent while other countries' goods are hit with higher rates. Since Australian items are impacted by a lower rate, they would be comparatively cheaper, meaning American consumers would shift demand to Australia. Lower US demand for other countries' imports would decrease their price, reducing the cost of import inputs used in Australian production. The US tariffs would also likely lead capital to flow out of America and high-tariffed countries, benefiting other economies like Australia. This means Liberation Day tariffs, alongside Mr Trump's levies on steel and aluminium, could lead to a 0.37 per cent increase in Australia's real gross domestic product and a 30.9 per cent increase in US demand for Australian exports. While it is unclear whether Australia could negotiate a tariff exemption, the government could take things into its own hands by removing more of its own "nuisance" levies. It has already abolished almost 500 of these tariffs, which impose high costs on businesses and generate little revenue, but the commission identified another 315 that could be urgently removed. "Australia is best served by continuing to advocate for free and fair trade - and that's exactly what we've done," Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in response to the report.
