Qld

From kindergarten to high school, Sunshine Coast students are turtle-y in love with turtles ... “Hatchlings are the most popular topic with the kids wanting to know if they can breathe under the sand, how they get out of the nest, what happens if they get left behind and if a mother turtle can find the hatchlings if the nest is relocated": Leisa Baldwin.

The Lockyer Valley knows only too well just what the impact of a severe weather event can look like – physically, mentally and emotionally. Following two severe flood events in 2022 alone, after bushfires and years of drought, Lockyer Valley Regional Council has forged important new partnerships to bring tangible benefits to the community.

Playgrounds are important spaces for the community to enjoy, and the Southern Downs Regional Council has a duty of care to maintain equipment so it is safe to use and compliant with Australian standards and guidelines. Council’s Manager Parks and Operations Chris Collingwood said Council’s unwavering priority is community safety.

Dr Shaun Kanowski has announced his intention to retire at the end of the School Term. We put some questions to him ... "Since arriving in Allora, I have noticed significant changes in the last 22 years ... Something that has never changed in my time at Allora, is the strong sense of community that is instantly apparent when you come to the best little town on the downs."

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In line with the Government’s response to the independent Inland Rail review, ARTC is now taking a staged approach to deliver Inland Rail. The section of Inland Rail between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in New South Wales (NSW) has been prioritised for completion by 2027.

Leader of The Nationals, David Littleproud, Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce, and Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, and have joined local Kalapa graziers in central Queensland to see first-hand the impact renewable projects will have on the region’s environment and communities. It comes amid concerns over a planned 10,910-hectare Moah wind farm project, 30 kilometres west of Rockhampton.

A fishing season for a high value sea cucumber in the Torres Strait has reopened for the first time in 20 years thanks to a concerted conservation and stock restoration effort ... Torres Strait Islanders will have exclusive access rights to black teatfish, which is estimated to be worth $380,000 to the local economy.

South Burnett Regional Council Mayor, Brett Otto has joined National Party Leader and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud in questioning the federal government recent budget announcement to impose a levy on farmers to fund biosecurity. Mayor Otto has called on the federal government to reverse the decision, saying it is another impost on struggling farmers.

We have a Blue Light Disco at the Town Hall Friday night for the children along with a Open Mic Night and BBQ and bar at the Show ground to kick start a great weekend. The show society subsides all rides to the cost of $5.00 per ride to make the show affordable for families.

Leases on two Great Barrier Reef islands have been purchased by the Palaszczuk Government with the move protecting key habitat for a range of species including koalas and flatback turtles. Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon announced that the government had purchased the lease for St Bees Island, 35km north-east of Mackay and the lease for the Long Island Broad Sound in the Southern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

We are also hosting a wine and cheese night to welcome Miss Showgirl and the Rural Ambassadors on the 19th May (the day before the Show).

With the world-famous Tom Quilty Ride only weeks away, the Stirling Endurance Classic in Queensland attracted 178 riders across 10 sections. Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Complex opened its gates in early 2016 as Australia’s only privately owned, purpose-built endurance facility.

This was a renovation rescue like no other – a new skyhome for a high-flying Sunshine Coast couple. Sunshine Coast Council has just completed a lofty project to ensure a better future for a beloved pair of ospreys – and their future offspring.

Researchers have made a scientific breakthrough which could significantly advance understanding herbicide resistance in Ryegrass, with the new information set to help combat the weed for Australian grain growers.

Many years of day in, day out toil by Evan and Gayle Jones and their team at Rudd’s Pub in Nobby was highlighted last Wednesday at an all-day event celebrating the opening of a new outdoor area and Steele Rudd Memorial.

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On Monday Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist Taylor McKeown told her story to students at Allora P-10 State School. No holds barred Taylor relived the good and bad memories of her determined effort to swim at the Olympics.

Olympic and World Champions descended on Doha last Friday for the Opening of the 2023 Wanda Diamond League Season. This is the start of the international Athletics Season which brings together the world’s biggest names in track and field, including eight Australians led by a distance duo and a discus giant in the form of Allora’s Matthew Denny.

The complete decentralisation of State Government departments to cities like Townsville and Cairns, or a North Queensland Parliamentary Council that would allow NQ-based MPs only to vote on issues and projects in the region, have been floated as “self-governance” options by Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MPs. The KAP MPs, in Cairns this week for the Queensland Parliament’s once-a-term regional sitting, said steps towards self-governance were reasonable as the region continues its quest towards statehood.