Cyclone cuts short Newman's Asia trip

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has cut short his Asian trade mission to fly home in time for Cyclone Ita.

Mr Newman has told Prime Minister Tony Abbott to continue on to China without him.

The premier released a statement saying he will return to Brisbane on Thursday to oversee preparations for Ita, which is due to hit north Queensland on Friday.

The head of the premier's department, Jon Grayson, will continue on to China on Wednesday night to represent Queensland.