Queensland government to host second roundtable on regional maternity crisis as cost-of-living support for regional placements announced

Natasha Reynolds is heavily pregnant and terrified of going into labour before she makes it to her closest hospital — two hours’ drive away.  Key points: The Chinchilla maternity ward has been on bypass since at least 2017, with women having to travel to Dalby or Toowoomba to give birth The town is not alone, with … Read more

Brisbane nurses Brenna and Rebecca were both born premature. Now they fly across Queensland caring for in-need babies

Two young women who were premature triplets at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) have returned to work as nurses, caring for a new generation of sick newborns. Rebecca Adam and Brenna Warren work at the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) alongside Gillian Lack, one of the people who nursed them as babies in … Read more

Why Noosa Council has a mountain of cash it doesn’t need

How do we find ourselves here? With Noosa Council stashing a mountain of cash it doesn’t really need, while it keeps whacking ratepayers with a total general rate increase that’s above inflation. Let’s come back to that pile of cash in a moment, but first in the words of the advertising slogan – let’s compare … Read more

Humpty Doo barramundi farm trials black jewfish in world first for aquaculture

Australia’s largest barramundi farm has started trialling black jewfish in what is understood as a world first for aquaculture. Key points: Black jewfish are valued for their meat and their thick swim bladders Humpty Doo Barramundi farm is expecting to harvest its first black jewfish in two years Darwin hosted the World Aquaculture Conference this week Humpty Doo … Read more

How to decipher the Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range outlook

We’ve all had an event in the months ahead that would benefit from us knowing the weather forecast well ahead of time. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the atmosphere, it’s impossible to predict the weather on a certain day months in advance. At least, not with any accuracy. But, with advanced modelling, climatologists can give … Read more

Lockyer Valley councillor Brett Qualischefski reprimanded for non-consensual photos at Gatton gym

A southern Queensland councillor who took several non-consensual photos of a woman while she was exercising at the gym has been reprimanded for misconduct.   Key points: Councillor Brett Qualischefski admitted to taking several non-consensual photos at a gym in Gatton on 2021 He has been reprimanded for his conduct and ordered to undergo counselling Mayor Tanya Milligan … Read more

Principals report pressure from Queensland’s education department to overturn suspensions

Queensland school principals are facing pressure from the education department to reduce the number of student suspensions, the teachers’ union says. Key points: A union rejects department reviews of student suspensions, arguing principals are best placed to make decisions The education department says there are no targets for suspensions in schools But the department says there is … Read more

Traditional owners have welcomed the release of a long-awaited consultation plan by the Queensland government that includes options for limiting new oil and gas development in the Lake Eyre Basin. Key points: The Queensland Government is seeking community feedback on options to protect the Lake Eyre Basin ahead of the 2024 state election The Regulatory Impact … Read more

Albanese talks up regional security in Singapore

Friday June 02, 2023 Advertisement Advertisement Unique mix: First Nations dancer weaves his own Dreamtime at Metro Arts Deep fakes and artificial media are coming for your business, researchers warn Man accused of Gold Coast one-punch death remains behind bars Teen smoking rates triple as vape crackdown looms RBA tipped to pause rate rises next … Read more

Isabelle Kelly cleared of serious throat damage following NSW Sky Blues’ Women’s State of Origin loss to Queensland Maroons

NSW co-captain Isabelle Kelly remains in hospital after coughing up blood following an incident in Thursday night’s Women’s State of Origin match against Queensland. Key points: Kelly was hit in the throat as she attempted to tackle Julia Robinson She coughed up blood before being taken to hospital The Sky Blues confirmed Kelly had been cleared … Read more

Billionaire Benny Wu may lose Double Island lease, but it’s not his only property to fall into disrepair

A Hong Kong-based billionaire at the centre of legal action over a tropical island is now facing calls to make improvements to some of his other properties that have fallen into disrepair in Queensland’s far north. Key points: Billionaire Benny Wu bought the lease for Double Island situated off the Cairns coast in 2012 The Department … Read more