Flower growers in Queensland are transforming former crop-dusting airstrips into chemical-free farms, experiencing strong local demand. Despite challenges in pricing and competing with large-scale operations, initiatives like The Flower Summit's national pricing guide aim to support small growers, many of whom are women transitioning from other careers.
Political analyst Maxine Newlands states Pauline Hanson's One Nation party is "in the ascendancy" in North Queensland, attributing support to voter dissatisfaction with major parties. Residents express varied opinions on Hanson's "populist" approach.
A 32-year-old Queensland man, Jay Davis, has been charged with two counts of people smuggling by Australian Federal Police. The charges relate to an alleged 'black flight' in 2025 that flew two wanted New South Wales men into Indonesia with its transponder deactivated. Davis was arrested at Brisbane Airport.
A coroner found no failings by police or hospital staff in the treatment of Steven Angus, a veteran who died after being shot by police. The inquest highlighted areas for improvement in treating suicidal veterans with addiction.
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart proposed offering Queensland islands to Elon Musk for satellite launches and microchip manufacturing. The idea received mixed reactions, with tourism groups citing environmental concerns and business groups calling for feasibility studies.
Pauline Hanson addresses her new MP's comments on immigration and Indigenous flags. The Albanese government offers concessions on capital gains tax changes. Iran plans maritime fees in the Strait of Hormuz, Ukraine drones strike Moscow, and Lionel Messi's family requests "humanity" amid health reports.
A Queensland family faces the difficult decision of moving an 83-year-old mother with dementia into aged care, potentially hours away from her lifelong home on a rural farm. The family has struggled with limited local aged care options and issues with home care providers.
Queensland's state-run special schools are understaffed, with 92.5% of allocated full-time teachers filled, compared to 102.8% in mainstream primary schools. Concerns are raised about university training programs no longer offering specific special education degrees, impacting recruitment and the availability of qualified relief teachers.
An inquest heard Queensland Corrective Services missed multiple opportunities to intervene regarding Aubrey Donahue's mental health before his death. The 27-year-old was fatally shot by police in March 2023 after holding his partner hostage. His mother had raised concerns multiple times with corrective services.
Gina Rinehart suggested offering free islands near Townsville to Elon Musk for SpaceX satellite construction and launches. She also proposed attracting Taiwan's chip industry with free land and tax holidays, and skilled Israelis for defense manufacturing, advocating for deregulation and tax cuts.
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart proposed Queensland offer islands to Elon Musk for SpaceX satellite construction and launches, citing his need for land in an allied country. She also suggested Townsville as a base for Israelis to develop and manufacture advanced war drones.
The Gentlemen, a Russian-speaking ransomware group, has claimed responsibility for a cyber attack that shut down two Queensland sugar mills for a week. While the claim was made on the dark web, its veracity is unconfirmed, with experts noting a lack of evidence. The attack has caused significant disruption and financial losses for farmers.
Six people have been charged by federal police over an alleged plot to distribute hundreds of kilograms of illicit drugs imported into Queensland. Operation Minjiang seized 178kg of cocaine and 142kg of methamphetamine.
Max Plath emerged as a key figure in Queensland's State of Origin series-flipping victory, embodying the Maroons' spirit with his versatile performance off the bench. His impact was evident as Queensland outscored NSW significantly during his playing time.
A 75-year-old former mining executive, Ole Saeverud, has been denied bail in Mackay Magistrates Court, facing charges of possessing child exploitation material in Indonesia and distributing indecent material to children. Investigations revealed alleged possession of 51 files of abuse material, with concerns he may use his significant financial means and powerful connections to evade justice.
Footlights Theatre Restaurant in Yeppoon, Queensland, is up for sale after 32 years of operation. Owners Garyth and Kaye Walpole are retiring, and while they hope the venue remains a theatre restaurant, they acknowledge high operating costs make it unlikely. The institution has also nurtured young actors through its drama classes.
Despite an injury to Tom Dearden, Billy Slater selected Sam Walker as halfback for the State of Origin. Walker's unpredictable play has been instrumental in Queensland's success, though his limitations were exposed when Cameron Munster was sidelined.
Queensland coach Billy Slater backed rookie Sam Walker at halfback despite Tom Dearden's injury. Walker, known for his chaotic style, impressed in Origin I and II, but a period without Cameron Munster in Game II highlighted his limitations, particularly in long kicking and team organization, reinforcing the established halves pairing.
Pauline Hanson's "monocultural" speech drew backlash, while Trump released US-Iran deal details. "Earth's Black Box" to be installed in Tasmania. Queensland beat NSW in Origin Game Two.
Pauline Hanson's "monocultural" speech draws criticism; "Earth's Black Box" climate tracker to be in Tasmania; Queensland beats NSW in Origin Game Two; Trump releases US-Iran deal details.
Federal MP David Littleproud is urging the ACCC to investigate insurance companies in regional Queensland, citing premium hikes of up to 500% as a "national disgrace" and "parasitic" practice. Residents face unaffordable costs, impacting homeownership and mortgage eligibility.
Five years after its announcement, the "Earth's Black Box," a project designed to record humanity's path to climate catastrophe, is nearing installation in Tasmania. Initially met with global attention, the project faced years of silence but is now reportedly under assembly, with creators aiming for a December installation.
New evidence suggests police ignored repeated warnings about the killer of toddler Mason Lee, who died from a ruptured bowel after being punched. His case, along with that of Baby Justin who suffered fatal head injuries, appears to have been mishandled.
Queensland's State of Origin coach Billy Slater opted not to use Reece Walsh as fullback despite an early head injury assessment for Cameron Munster. Selwyn Cobbo scored a hat-trick in the Maroons' dominant win over the Blues.
