ABC North Queensland

07/08/2025

🎓✏️Hundreds of state school teachers returned to work today after yesterday's industrial action and say they will continue their fight for better wages and conditions.

Public school teachers walked off the job yesterday after rejecting the State Government's offer of an eight per cent pay increase over three years.

The Queensland Teachers' Union said they were striking for not only better pay but also reducing occupational violence and improving respect for the profession.

📚A newly released report shows many Queensland state schools need overdue - and costly - repair work with a backlog of maintenance now at $441 million across the state.

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said "the report shows [the backlog] cannot be fixed in one year."

07/08/2025

The bill to repair schools with damage across the Sunshine State has skyrocketed, a new report shows.

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The bill to repair schools with damage across the Sunshine State has skyrocketed, a new report shows.

06/08/2025

🦺👷Hundreds of Townsville City Council outdoor staff have taken industrial action today in a bid to increase pay and conditions.

A 20 per cent pay increase has been rejected, sparking the largest strike rally taken against this local council.

Townsville City Councillor Liam Mooney signed a pledge in support of the workers ahead of the local council meeting.

The Australian Workers Union Northern District Secretary, Jim Wilson says workers are under a lot of pressure to keep up with the rising cost of living.

"Workers are really struggling to make ends meet. One of our members working for council is earning $56,000 dollars a year."

A spokesperson for the Townsville City Council says "council is approaching negotiations in a responsible and sustainable way, recognising that staff are essential to delivering core community services.

"Finding the right level of wage increases is a balance between what is affordable and sustainable for the community and what is a fair increase for our employees.

"Council is continuing to engage with unions in certified agreement negotiations to reach a financially sustainable outcome."

🚧♻️Townsville residents are being warned to expect delays in rubbish collection as council workers continue industrial action. If your bin is not collected on your usual bin collection day, please leave it on the kerb until it is collected.

Stuart Waste Facility and the Hervey Range Resource Recovery Centre may also see disruptions to operating hours during the rest of the week if further industrial action is taken.

✔️Magnetic Island Transfer Station will remain open for normal operating hours.

06/08/2025

The Australian Institute of Marine Science says coral cover in the Great Barrier Reef has declined after mass bleaching events, with experts warning it faces a future of "increased volatility".

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The Australian Institute of Marine Science says coral cover in the Great Barrier Reef has declined after mass bleaching events, with experts warning it faces a future of "increased volatility".

06/08/2025

The Queensland Police Service reaffirms its commitment to divisional policing, but concerns remain about attracting young officers to rural areas.

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The Queensland Police Service reaffirms its commitment to divisional policing, but concerns remain about attracting young officers to rural areas.

06/08/2025

The Murrgan (blue quandong) collection by Girringun Aborignal Art Centre in Cardwell featured on the runway.

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This week marks the 10th anniversary of Darwin's biggest fashion show, Country to Couture, with the event shining a spotlight on some of Australia's finest First Nations artists.

05/08/2025

Today's strike action is expected to affect more than half a million students at about 1,200 state schools.

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Today's strike action is expected to affect more than half a million students at about 1,200 state schools.

05/08/2025

Neil Robinson’s complex medical needs made the idea of him dying at home a daunting prospect for his family. Central Queensland's only hospice gave them another option.

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Neil Robinson’s complex medical needs made the idea of him dying at home a daunting prospect for his family. Central Queensland's only hospice gave them another option.

05/08/2025

A Queensland university suspends a medical student after he was sentenced for domestic violence, following community outcry for the university to act.

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A Queensland university suspends a medical student after he was sentenced for domestic violence, following community outcry for the university to act.

04/08/2025

A 29-year-old man shot by police in the loading dock of a Townsville shopping centre is set to face court over a string of charges, including assault and drug offences.

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A 29-year-old man shot by police in the loading dock of a Townsville shopping centre is set to face court over a string of charges, including assault and drug offences.

04/08/2025

🪖COUNTDOWN TO VP80 🪖

2025 marks 80 years since victory in the Pacific and the end of World War II.

In the lead up to commemorations taking place in mid August, our very own weekday Breakfast host Michael Clarke hosted a special VP80 Conversations event at the Townsville Rsl.

Residents sat in awe listening to guests speakers Geoff Hansen, Townsville historian and author behind Townsville War and Peace 1942-1945,
Elliot Hannay, Former Townsville Bulletin Editor shared memories of VP50, Bruce Hurst, Aircraft historian unpacked the importance of the 5th USAF in Townsville and Graham Morgan, shared personal connections and the signifance in breaking the enigma codes of the enemies.

Special thanks to the Townsville RSL President Colin Mosch, VP 80 Chair Jeff Jimmieson and the staff at the club for organising and hosting such a special event today.

👀 Keep an eye out for future VP80 events in the coming weeks.

📍Find the full program here: https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/281479/VP80-2025-Public-Program-prnt_portrait-a4-WEB.pdfe

04/08/2025

Australia's disability discrimination commissioner wants Queensland to scrap plans to build more special schools amid state plans to build more.

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Australia's disability discrimination commissioner wants Queensland to scrap plans to build more special schools amid state plans to build more.