Qld

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Council has welcomed the Queensland Government’s plans for a cutting-edge biofuel plantation near Emerald. Mayor Janice Moriarty joined state government, education, business and industry representatives at an initial tree planting of 16,000 Pongamia trees recently to mark the commencement of the project. 

More than 1.2 million litres of diesel every week could be back in the hands of our truckies and farmers if we had CopperString to Mount Isa, Robbie Katter, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader, and Member for Traeger has said. A survey of power-isolated mines in the North West Minerals Provence has revealed 13 triple road trains a week are needed to generate on-site electricity...

Police were called to the Allora headquarters of Bartranz Petroleum last week after a man allegedly lashed out at staff. Bartranz owners Justin and Gretta Barton described it as "A Tough Day for Our Team" ... A man allegedly entered the workplace and became aggressive over a fuel pricing dispute.

At the Toowoomba Royal Show on Saturday afternoon, judges selected the entrant who will represent the Darling Downs at the State judging during this year's Ekka in Brisbane. The winner is Bridgette Langton, who is the Goombungee-Haden Showgirl for 2026.

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Scenic Rim Regional Council has reaffirmed its support and commitment to agritourism across the region with a focus on community safety, responsible land use and long-term sustainability. A report presented at yesterday's Ordinary Meeting outlined significant progress made over the past year - including stakeholder engagement, compliance activities and collaboration with industry and government partners - concerning camping-related short-term accommodation.

...the Premier stood on Labor’s position and refused to commit to taking tangible action on fuel security by implementing a robust ethanol mandate, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader, and Member for Traeger has said. In opposition the LNP put three bills into Parliament to implement an ethanol mandate, then refused to support the KAP bill in 2014. 

More than 640 students and teachers are taking part in Ag Discovery Day at the Toowoomba Royal Showgrounds today, giving young people a hands-on opportunity to explore the exciting world of agriculture ... Ag Discovery will welcome participants from seven primary schools for an immersive day of learning about food, fibre, farming and the many career opportunities within the agriculture sector.

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Australian rural confidence declined in the first quarter of 2026, with the nation’s farmers already concerned about cost pressures in the year ahead, even prior to the outbreak of the current Middle East conflict. The quarter one Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey found national rural confidence had slipped to a net reading of -9 per cent (down from six per cent in the previous survey) even before the outbreak of the war against Iran.

Queensland’s regional theatre sector is set for a new phase of growth, with Cairns-based JUTE Theatre Company appointed as the state’s dedicated industry provider under the refreshed Regional Arts Services Network (RASN).

Energy Estate and Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables have formalised a strategic affiliation to advance the BioNQ Project in North Queensland, positioning sugarcane as a critical solution to Australia’s fuel security challenge while delivering long-term regional economic benefits. ARR.News asked a few further questions of Simon Currie, Energy Estate's Chief Project Officer.

The proposed $2.3 billion Eva Copper mine has been declared a “large resource project” under the Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017, ensuring the Cloncurry and Mount Isa communities benefit directly from its development and operation. The declaration means, if approved, the project will ensure local employment, local procurement and long term social and economic benefits for the Mt Isa and Cloncurry communities.

The Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival was a real treat for locals and visitors to Allora last weekend. The annual Festival of these magnificent Gentle Giants proved very popular again this year with an added inclusion being Equestrian with Disabilities events.

At this year's Heavy Horse Festival, an equestrian division for those with disabilities was held for the first time. Katy Driver was the driving force behind the inclusion of the event which was well received by the competitors and the crowd. Here is Katy's story.

The Darling Downs Zoo has welcomed four new baby baboons into its family in what is the country's first successful breeding program for the primate. The babies, ranging between 11 and 3 weeks old are still clinging tightly to mums.