ABC North Queensland

23/08/2025

The Queensland government has stood by its guidelines restricting government funded youth justice organisations from speaking to the media, saying such agreements are standard practice.

Opposition youth justice spokeswoman Di Farmer says the restrictions amount to a "media gag".

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The guidelines include that they "must not" discuss or post anything about funded programs with "anyone in the media or related to media".

23/08/2025

The world's largest living coral collection has moved to a temporary home while a new Queensland aquarium is built.

It has taken Townsville marine biologists four years to painstakingly move delicate corals and other marine life from a massive saltwater tank at what was Australia's national reef education centre, ReefHQ.

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Scientists relocate a precious collection of coral and fish to a temporary home while a new Queensland aquarium is built.

21/08/2025

Rain in south-east Queensland is set to ease from this afternoon, making way for a sunny weekend for much of the state.

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A sunny weekend is forecast for much of the state, after parts of south-east Queensland receive double the average rainfall for August.

21/08/2025

Warning: This story contains mention of su***de and self-harm.

A North Queensland magistrate has criticised Queensland Health over its handling of a Townsville teenage girl shot by police, releasing her to be sent to hospital for further mental health assessment.

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A North Queensland magistrate has criticised Queensland Health over its handling of a teenage girl shot by police, releasing her to be sent to hospital for further mental health assessment.

21/08/2025

The Australian Energy Market Operator says there are "short-term" challenges for the area and a "reliability gap".

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The Australian Energy Market Operator says there are "short-term" challenges for the area and a "reliability gap".

20/08/2025

A report by the Queensland Productivity Commission recommended the state should opt out of the National Construction Code's accessibility standards.

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A report by the Queensland Productivity Commission recommended the state should opt out of the National Construction Code's accessibility standards.

20/08/2025

The government says it will fill 240 jobs in Queensland to support Australia's new $5 billion defence helicopter fleet, which is set to begin arriving in Townsville within months.

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The government says it will fill 240 jobs in Queensland to support Australia's new $5 billion defence helicopter fleet, which is set to begin arriving in Townsville within months.

20/08/2025

🕊💐A feathered farewell 💐🕊

Gordon the Galah, known for his fake "smoker's cough" and larger-than-life personality, has flown off to his next adventure.

Donated to Townsville's Queen's Garden aviary, Gordon lived a long and social life dying at the age of 40 years old.

Ranger Jackie Hasling from Hands on Wildlife said, "Gordon was 40 years old, we believe, which is the maximum life expectancy for a galah in captivity, whereas out in the wild they can live up to 25 years."

Anyone who walked by the aviary would know Gordon, as he loved to have a chat.

"He knew a few swear words, but overall, he was a very well-mannered bird," said Ranger Jackie.

Gordon the Galah will be honoured with his own plaque at the memorial garden located next to the aviary in the gardens.

Fly high Gordon!

20/08/2025

ℹ️ DOWNGRADED TO ADVICE - Dingo Beach.ℹ️

​​​​​​​**THIS POST WILL NOT BE UPDATED AGAIN. Check here for further updates:

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19/08/2025

The Queensland government has struck a new royalty deferral deal with the owners of the Carmichael coal mine in exchange for an expansion of its operations.

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The government has promised every deferred dollar will be repaid with interest by Bravus, formerly known as Adani, but won't reveal details, such as when the money will be paid.

19/08/2025

🎉💖 10th Anniversary Splash of Pink Regatta 💖🎉

Over the weekend the 10th annual Splash of Pink Regatta took place where hundreds of people paddled with purpose with the Townsville Dragonboat Club.

What started as a local event with Dragons Abreast Townsville has grown into a powerful tradition bringing the community together to raise awareness for early detection and much needed funds for breast cancer support. 💪🌸

Breast Cancer Survivor Nik, told ABC's Jess Naunton on Northern Grandstand this week, "dragon boating is really good for ladies who have had treatment, very good for your scar tissue and your lymphedema."

A sea of pink took to the water with plenty of spirit, strength and a celebration of survivorship, donning some creative costuming for the regatta.

📷Supplied: Townsville Dragon Boat Club Inc

18/08/2025

Requirements for learner drivers under the age of 25 could be set for a shake-up, with the Queensland government considering changes to supervised hours.

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The Queensland government has flagged potential changes to the state's learner licence scheme, including the requirement for 100 hours of supervised driving.