Sunday 4 October 2026Queensland edition
QLD Reporter

Local stories, community first — Brisbane and beyond.

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Community
Story Bridge to Close for Three Weeks for Repairs

Brisbane's iconic Story Bridge is set to close for three weeks over the new year for maintenance, with repairs including resurfacing and structural deck maintenance. The closure, scheduled from December 27, 2026, to January 18, 2027, aims to coincide with the summer holidays.

8 days ago
Community
Brisbane police officer stabbed in neck during alleged disturbance in city's east police union

A police officer has been injured in an alleged stabbing in Brisbane's east, according to the police union. The officer was taken to hospital and was in a stable condition.

8 days ago
Community
New forensic science leads help identify mystery remains found in NT bush in 1976

Police in the Northern Territory are closing in on identifying two men found dead near a remote cattle station in 1976, using advances in forensic science to shed new light on the decades-old mystery. One of the men is believed to be Trevor Wheeler, whose tattoos and complicated past have helped investigators piece together his story.

8 days ago
Community
Wind Farm Plans Spark Concern Among Mount Fox Residents

A wind farm is set to be built near Mount Fox in north Queensland, despite concerns from residents about the impact on the environment and their way of life. The project is a significant step towards the federal government's 2030 renewables goal.

8 days ago
Community
Gold Coast Ditches 'Glitter Strip' Label in Bid to Become Creative Hub

The Gold Coast is ditching its 'Glitter Strip' reputation and looking to reinvent itself as a hub for creativity and innovation. The city is taking inspiration from Austin, Texas, which has successfully transformed itself into a thriving tech and cultural centre.

8 days ago
Community
Coercive control laws: two years on, are they working?

Two years after introducing laws against coercive control, NSW is still waiting to see if the legislation will be a success in reducing domestic violence. The laws have resulted in low numbers of charges and convictions, leaving some to question their effectiveness.

8 days ago
Community
Queensland child safety death toll surges by 60 per cent in a year

The number of Queensland children known to child safety who have died has increased by almost 60 per cent in a year, according to a new report. The Queensland Family and Child Commission's annual report revealed 91 children known to the child protection system died in the 2025–26 financial year.

9 days ago
Community
Miraculous Rescue: 75-Year-Old Sailor Survives Four-Week Ordeal at Sea

A 75-year-old sailor's six-day voyage turned into a four-week ordeal after a freak wave destroyed his navigational equipment and much of his rations. He was rescued off the Darwin coast last month.

9 days ago
Community
Dredging Underway at Moore Park Beach to Combat Severe Erosion

Dredging has begun at Moore Park Beach to combat severe erosion that has seen 5 metres of the foreshore wash away since Tropical Cyclone Alfred hit in early 2025. The project aims to relocate the creek mouth and nourish the beach with additional sand.

9 days ago
Community
The Hidden Danger: Domestic Violence Offenders Often Unknown to Police

A recent surge in suspected domestic violence deaths in New South Wales has highlighted a significant gap in the system: identifying and intervening with offenders who are not known to police. Experts are calling for greater collaboration and funding to address the issue.

9 days ago
Community
Grief turned to purpose: Local man's mission to support grieving families

A Melbourne man's grief over the loss of his unborn son has transformed into a mission to support other grieving families. Nick Olney's charity, No Harry to Hold, donates imprint kits to neonatal intensive care units, providing tangible memories for families who have lost a baby.

9 days ago
Community
Brisbane Stargazers Defy Light Pollution with Stunning Celestial Images

Brisbane stargazers are capturing stunning celestial images despite inner-city light pollution. Amateur astronomers say modern telescope technology makes it possible to explore the night sky, even in the city.

9 days ago
Community
Baby's death not preventable, coroner finds

A coronial inquest has found that the death of a baby born at a Mackay hospital in 2023 was not preventable, despite his parents expressing concerns about his care before his birth. The inquest heard that the baby, Hugo McGregor, died five days after birth due to hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy caused by a sudden and profound onset of bradycardia.

10 days ago
Community
Bellbird Park House Fire Treated as Suspicious After Body Found

A body has been found after a house fire at Bellbird Park, west of Brisbane, with a man in his 30s taken to Ipswich Hospital with smoke inhalation and burns. Queensland Police are treating the fire as 'suspicious' amid reports of petrol smells in the area.

10 days ago
Community
Queensland Child Safety Workers on Strike Amid Stalled Government Talks

Thousands of Queensland child safety workers have gone on strike over stalled negotiations on pay and conditions with the state government. The industrial action comes as the Together Union claims that the government's inaction has left workers with no choice but to take drastic measures.

10 days ago
Community
Outback airfares spark outrage as review delayed

Residents and visitors to western Queensland are speaking out about the high cost of airfares to the region, with one local describing the prices as "unreasonable". The issue has sparked calls for airlines to justify their prices and for governments to take action.

10 days ago
Community
Man dies after being found with 'unexplained' injuries in Surat home

An 84-year-old man has died in hospital after being found with life-threatening injuries in his home in Surat, a small town about 450km west of Brisbane. Police are treating the death as suspicious and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

10 days ago
Community
Brazilian Community in Townsville Electrified by Socceroos v Brazil

The Brazilian soccer team has arrived in Townsville ahead of their friendly clash with the Socceroos, sparking excitement among the city's small but vibrant Brazilian community. The team's arrival has been a cause for celebration, with fans welcoming them with jerseys, signs, and cheers.

10 days ago
Community
Man Fined for Lying Next to Fridge in Back of Car During Queensland Police Operation

A man was fined for lying next to a fridge in the back of a car during a police operation in Queensland. The fines were part of a broader crackdown on road safety, which included 3,680 random breath tests and 97 fines issued over two days.

10 days ago
Community
Former CEO Convicted of Sexual Assault in Bundaberg

A former CEO has been convicted of sexually assaulting a young woman on multiple occasions almost a decade ago. Kerry Blackman, the ex-chief executive of Gidarjil Development Corporation, was found guilty of four charges of sexual assault in the Bundaberg District Court.

10 days ago
Community
Queensland Social Homes Vacancy Rate Soars to 42.7 Days Amidst 44,000 Waitlist

The number of days social homes in Queensland sit vacant has dramatically increased, despite a waitlist of over 44,000 people. The average vacancy period has jumped to 42.7 days, up from 25.1 days last year.

10 days ago
Community
Couple Jailed for 13 Years Over $121 Million Cocaine Haul

A French couple has been sentenced to 13 years in jail for retrieving almost 500 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside a yacht that sailed to Townsville from the South Pacific. The couple, who pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court in Brisbane, were found to have possessed a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.

11 days ago
Community
Abandoned coal mine leaves Queensland government with rehabilitation bill

A central Queensland coal mine has been abandoned, leaving the state government to manage its rehabilitation. The Bluff coal mine, located near Blackwater, was owned by Bowen Coking Coal, which went into voluntary administration last year.

11 days ago
Community
Wingham Memorial Pool rebuild secured, but calls for change in disaster funding

The Wingham Memorial Pool on the NSW Mid North Coast has suffered severe structural damage from a record-breaking flood, leaving residents without a vital community asset. The community has rallied to secure $15 million in funding for a rebuild, but concerns remain about the classification of public pools as essential infrastructure.

11 days ago
Community
Tougher Bail Laws Under Fire as Victims and Experts Weigh In

Exhausted and fed-up crime victims have gathered in Mareeba to have their say on proposed tougher bail laws. The parliamentary committee heard from victims and experts, with some backing the bill's push to get repeat youth offenders off the streets, while others called for early intervention and detention programs.

11 days ago
Community
Rockhampton Council Warns of Recycling Target Shortfall Amid Soaring Transport Costs

Rockhampton Regional Council is struggling to meet state-imposed recycling targets due to high transportation costs. The council spends $3 million per year on waste services, with over a third of that going towards transporting recyclables 600 kilometres to a facility on the Sunshine Coast.

11 days ago
Community
Dugong numbers on the rise in Hervey Bay, but concerns remain

Researchers are cautiously optimistic about the growth of dugong populations in Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait, following a recent study that reported positive population growth and a wider geographic spread. However, concerns remain about the low number of calves, which could impact the population's recovery.

11 days ago
Community
Queensland Courts Overwhelmed by 'Tsunami' of Child Abuse Offenders

A surge of alleged child abuse offenders is overwhelming Queensland courts, with over 1,400 people dealt with for related crimes in the state every year. New research has identified 15 risk factors that can contribute to a person committing child sexual abuse, highlighting the need for early intervention and support.

11 days ago
Community
Man to contest bribery charge linked to wife's murder investigation

A Queensland man has been charged with bribing foreign officials in relation to a police investigation into the suspected murder of his estranged wife. His lawyer says he will contest the charge.

12 days ago
Community
Townsville Bus Stop Robbery: 11-Year-Old Charged

A 28-year-old woman was pulled from a bus and robbed in Townsville last night, resulting in head injuries. Two 11-year-old girls were arrested and one has been charged with robbery in company using personal violence.

12 days ago
Community
Working Dog Wisdom: Local Trainer Shares 30 Years of Expertise

Renowned working dog trainer Frank Finger shares his 30 years of expertise through his working dog school, helping trainees from across Australia and overseas. His school has become a go-to destination for those looking to improve their skills and learn from the best.

12 days ago
Community
Sunshine Coast Airport Development Plan Sparks Community Backlash

A $75 million plan to transform part of the Sunshine Coast Airport into a resort, residential and retail precinct has sparked community backlash. The proposal, which includes hotels, homes and shops, has been submitted to Economic Development Queensland for consideration.

12 days ago
Community
Dead humpback whale removed from Sunshine Coast beach

A dead humpback whale that washed up on a Sunshine Coast beach has been removed by authorities. The 6.7-metre juvenile whale was towed 37 kilometres out to sea after a removal operation at high tide.

12 days ago
Community
Fire Ant Eradication Program Funding in Jeopardy as Advocates Urge Government Support

Advocates are urging state and federal treasurers to fund the next step in fire ant eradication efforts, as a funding cliff looms in June next year. The program has shown promising results, with 208,000 hectares transitioning from suppression to active eradication.

12 days ago
Community
Unanswered questions a year after suspected murder-suicide of mother and daughter

A year after the suspected murder-suicide of Tiffany and Clementine Wilkes, questions remain about how the pair slipped through the cracks. An education department probe has been completed, but details of its findings are not being released while a coronial investigation continues.

12 days ago
Community
Nationwide Church Scam: Scammers Impersonate Ministers in Gift Card Heist

A nationwide scam targeting churches has been spreading across the country for several years, with scammers impersonating ministers to prey on the charity of vulnerable congregation members. The scam involves scammers requesting gift cards for a vulnerable member of the congregation, with some victims being asked to purchase multiple cards.

12 days ago
Community
Winton remembers deadly Ansett-ANA Flight 149 crash 60 years on

The community of Winton gathered to mark the 60th anniversary of the Ansett-ANA Flight 149 crash, which killed all 24 people on board. The tragedy led to significant changes in aviation safety and had a lasting impact on the community.

13 days ago
Community
Emergency Warning Issued for South Burnett Bushfire as Homes Put at Risk

An Emergency Warning has been issued for a bushfire in Queensland's South Burnett region, with homes in the rural area of Teelah, north of Blackbutt, potentially at risk. The Queensland Fire Department has issued a Seek Shelter Now alert for the very dangerous blaze.

13 days ago
Community
Husband of Rehana Parvin charged with bribing Bangladeshi officials as wife's suspected murder investigated

A Queensland man has been charged with bribing a foreign public official in relation to the suspected murder of his estranged wife, Rehana Parvin, in Bangladesh. Awlad Hossain, 51, is accused of sending more than $90,000 to people in Bangladesh to influence an investigation into Ms Parvin's death.

13 days ago
Community
Young Riders Shine at Mount Isa Rodeo

The Mount Isa Rodeo has showcased the talents of its youngest riders, with Lareece Daley-Kennedy, 13, set to compete in two youth world finals in the United States. The rodeo has committed $10,000 to support Lareece and other young riders.

13 days ago