Queensland's proposed State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 raises fears among landowners and environmental groups of land seizure and bypassing environmental laws for "state strategic projects," despite government assurances.
The Queensland government has released new concept images for the 2032 Olympic stadium precinct at Brisbane’s Victoria Park, aiming to ease concerns over parkland loss. Opponents, however, dismiss the "fantasy vision" for lacking details on crucial infrastructure like parking and transport links.
A 100-million-year-old ichthyosaur fossil from Queensland, scanned by ANSTO, reveals its last meal of fish, cephalopods, and a pterosaur. Crushing bite marks suggest it was attacked or scavenged by a Kronosaurus, offering a rare glimpse into Australia's ancient marine food web.
Two 21-year-old French travellers, William Pertek and Manek Miquel, hitchhiked 5,000 km across Australia from Queensland to Broome, relying on strangers' kindness despite police warnings. Their journey highlights a social media-driven hitchhiking revival and challenges faced in remote areas.
During a Queensland CFMEU inquiry, Commissioner Stuart Wood KC strongly rebuked police for allowing "mob rule" during union disputes on a Brisbane infrastructure project. The inquiry also forensically cross-examined Geoffrey Watson SC on his report alleging union violence stemmed "from the top," while political fallout from a related Victorian probe escalated.
Daniel Storey, a landholder in Junction View, Queensland, successfully rallied his community against Rosehill Sandstone's proposed 62-hectare quarry on his family's farm. The developer unexpectedly withdrew its application, highlighting the impact of community opposition on resource projects.
Two French friends, William Pertek and Manek Miquel, have hitchhiked over 5,000km across Australia, from Queensland to Western Australia, relying on the kindness of strangers. Despite challenges and safety concerns, they highlight the generosity received, while a marketing expert notes a social media-driven resurgence in hitchhiking, contrasting with police warnings.
Adani's Carmichael thermal coal operations in Queensland generated almost $1 billion in revenue but reported a $340.6 million loss, avoiding company tax for the past year and since opening in 2021. The Abbot Point port business also paid no tax, prompting calls for new regulations on foreign entities' capital structures in Australia.
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.
