Queensland and the Northern Territory have rejected the federal government's plans to mandate renewable power use in AI datacentres, calling them 'underdeveloped ideas' that centralize power in Canberra, as S&P Global warns of potential five-fold increase in datacentre power use by 2035.
A former British government expert claims to know the likely location of Peter Falconio's body, 25 years after he vanished in Australia, aiding police in their pursuit of closure for his family.
Miconia, an ornamental tree introduced to Tahiti in 1937, has become a biosecurity threat to Queensland's World Heritage rainforests, capable of producing over 8.9 million seeds per season and smothering native vegetation.
A 45-year-old man died and a 36-year-old police officer was injured in a shooting at Yengarie, Queensland, during a domestic violence response. The officer, shot in the leg, is in stable condition.
Researchers in south-east Queensland are using thermal drones and tracking collars to find koalas faster, treat sick animals sooner and support a repopulation program in Brisbane Koala Bushlands.
Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek is under scrutiny over a series of politically connected appointments to Cultural Centre boards. Critics say the moves raise concerns about transparency and merit-based selection.
A proposed temporary workers' camp for the Tarong West Wind Farm in Kingaroy, Queensland, has met opposition from locals, including 79-year-old astronomer James Barclay, who fears the camp's lighting will force his observatory to close.
Queensland parliament has raised concerns over the social media conduct of Yabun Panjoo Aboriginal Corporation, a publicly funded youth rehabilitation provider. Labor's Di Farmer questioned the provider's Facebook page following adult content creators, while Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber defended the program. The hearing also addressed the funding cancellation of another provider, The Mara Way.
Queensland police are under scrutiny for significant delays in responding to domestic and family violence (DFV) call-outs, including a four-hour response to a life-threatening incident and a 16-day wait for an urgent threat. Police attribute outliers to specific circumstances, while the union blames under-resourcing and red tape.
Queensland's new fast-tracked child abuse reporting scheme, launched July 1, has received over 200 complaints in its first three weeks, leading to 174 QFCC cases and 60 police referrals. The scheme aims to prevent harm by improving information sharing, a flaw highlighted by serial paedophile Ashley Paul Griffith's undetected offending.
Macean Francis, 18, was defrauded of $2,850 in "closest counterfeit money" after selling his motorbike in Mackay, Queensland. Police recovered the bike and charged a 48-year-old woman, while the RBA warns of increased counterfeit note importations.
Maria's experience with an abusive son-in-law in Brisbane in 2022 highlights the growing issue of elder abuse in Australia. Advocacy groups call for increased government funding, better data collection, and criminalization, citing a lack of public understanding and ageism.
Police have arrested a 52-year-old Cleveland man in south-east Queensland, charging him with 43 offences, including distributing intimate images and unlawful stalking. The charges stem from an investigation into AI-generated posters featuring victims' faces superimposed on explicit images, along with their personal details and false claims.
Two men sustained life-threatening and serious injuries after their vehicle was struck by a giant mining truck at the Peak Downs coal site in Central Queensland. Emergency services are on scene, and an investigation has been launched by Resources Health and Safety Queensland.
Actress Margot Robbie is believed to be the mystery buyer of Redwood, a $28 million luxury estate in Currumbin Valley, Queensland, marking the highest price ever for a residential property in the state. The purchase signifies her return to her childhood roots on the Gold Coast.
Queensland councils are celebrating six years until the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, with a countdown clock unveiled in Queen Street Mall. The state government still needs to build seven new venues and upgrade ten, but officials express confidence in readiness. A legacy vision includes 50,000 new homes and transport expansion, while Moreton Bay unveiled a Matilda kangaroo replica.
A community-led "Headstone Healing Project" in Toowoomba, Australia, has successfully repaired 104 vandalized graves at Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery, nearly two years after 143 headstones were damaged. The project raised $96,500 through donations, restoring cultural heritage and providing solace to affected families.
Families in Far North Queensland are devastated by the planned July 31 closure of Mareeba Business Solutions (MBS), a supported-employment program for nearly 20 people with disabilities. Locals who funded the facility fear its sale, while Endeavour Foundation cites NDIA funding challenges and dwindling commercial contracts for the $200,000+ annual losses.
Lucas Findley's property in North West Queensland successfully planted cotton after floods, showcasing the region's cropping potential. A $5.3 million government and industry investment aims to expand cotton, grain, and pulse production by 2035, diversifying traditional cattle country.
A 1.2 million-hectare private weapons and aerospace testing facility, MaxQ range, will open near Thargomindah, Queensland, by mid-2028. The $15 million project, co-funded by the Queensland government, aims to bolster sovereign defence capabilities and create 60 jobs.
Mayors from flood and cyclone-affected parts of Queensland protested in Melbourne against planned federal disaster funding changes, which would cap federal contributions at 50% instead of the usual 65%. They seek clarity on who will cover the resulting funding gap, fearing significant impacts on community recovery efforts.
The Queensland government faces scrutiny for allegedly blocking the public release of a damning report on domestic and family violence (DFV) reforms, which was leaked to the media. The report, from a working group, criticizes police responses and the lack of housing support for victim-survivors, drawing strong opposition criticism.
Rio Tinto has signed a five-year sales agreement with Australian company SuperChar Limited to purchase 35,000 tonnes of bana grass bio pellets by 2028. This $30 million biochar facility in Boynedale, Central Queensland, aims to replace up to 50% of coal in Rio Tinto's Gladstone refinery boilers, pending council approval.
The Queensland government is accused of suppressing a victim-survivor report on domestic violence, which heavily criticized police responses and called for a civilian review mechanism. The report, seen by Guardian Australia, highlights inconsistent policing and systemic issues, despite the government's 'victim first' rhetoric.
