According to the department of home affairs there are more than 63,000 working holiday makers in Australia. 

First Optus then Telstra, now Ergon Energy customers are among the latest to be targeted.

North Queenslanders warned to watch out for scams

For more than two and half years, we've been getting tested for covid and isolating with positive results. From today, mandatory iso is a thing of the past.

Mandatory Covid isolation ends today

Police have established a crime scene and confirmed investigations are ongoing. 

Police investigating an unlawful wounding in Mundingburra

RACQ's unroadworthy roads survey has so far identified the road as a concern for drivers in every region along the coastline. 

North Queensland names Bruce Highway as worst road in the state

Backpackers are back in North Queensland

The 26-year-old was charged with common assault following in incident in South Sydney on Monday. 

Cowboy Luciano Leilua stood down from NRL

More than 3,500 patients are on the Townsville Hospital waiting list for elective surgeries. 

North Queensland patients forced to wait longer for elective surgeries

Unleaded this morning has increased by one cent since the excise climb. 

North Queensland bowser prices slow to rise

Figures show two in five young Aussies are now affected by mental ill-health. 

National Headspace Day

Doctor Maria Boulton is one of dozens who will meet in Canberra today to discuss the health system. 

North Queensland GP's represented in Canberra Crisis Summit

Since September 27, officers have charged 34 adults with 68 offences and 24 juveniles with 24 offences.

Townsville police keeping busy with Operation Casuarina

The 26 year old was arrested yesterday afternoon at a home in Sydney’s South West following an alleged domestic violence incident.

Cowboys star Luciano Leilua charged with domestic violence offences

Although, officers warn speeding isn't the only thing they'll be looking for in school zones.

Police patrolling school zones this morning

Organ retrieval, search and rescue operations and community safety will all be bolstered by a new fleet of Queensland Police aircraft. 

New Queensland Police aircraft to arrive next year

New tenant protection laws have come into effect over the weekend, giving people more protections for pets in rentals.

New protections for pets in rentals

The $400,000 investment from the state government will be equipped with enhanced intelligence to track stolen vehicles and locate lost people.

Crime fighting drone training begins in Townsville

The new laws won't allow landlords to decline tenants based upon their pet ownership status.

New tenancy laws for pet owners come in tomorrow

The Rural Fire Service says we need to be prepared for bushfire season following a spate of recent fires across the Townsville region.

North Queensland told to prepare for bushfire season

The Premier's announced a $62 billion Energy and Jobs plan which includes Queensland ending it's reliance on coal by 2035. 

Queensland's new multi-billion green energy plan

Herbert MP Phillip Thompson is calling for battle honours to be bestowed upon local troops involved in the 2021 Afghan evacuation. 

Call for battle honours for local troops

After six months, the temporary fuel excise cut will come to an end tonight. 

Townsville residents prepare to pay more at the bowser

State Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, along with his government, have leaked a 95 page document saying the papers suggest the complete opposite of what the government is doing.

95 pages of State's health briefings leaked

The inquiry has been deemed the "most important event" the state's criminal justice system has ever seen.

Day one of DNA inquiry wraps up

A survey of more than 700 Queensland resident doctors reveals an alarmingly high number aren't being trained properly and are working 70 hour weeks.

Concern for North Queensland doctors among new survey results

Public hearings this week after a preliminary report concluded there were serious shortfalls in the state's lab. 

Inquiry into forensic DNA testing begins today

The 32-year from South Townsville was last seen leaving a hotel in Pentland on September 14.

Multi-asset search for missing South Townsville man

32-year-old Amanda Power allegedly lied about her own illness to receive money. 

Former Cancer Council Ambassador charged with fraud

AMA Queensland's president claims the system is under crisis. 

Concerns over North Queensland healthcare facilities

A young child has been flown to Townsville University Hospital in a serous condition after being hit by a car in Ayr last night. 

Small child in critical condition after being hit by car

A National memorial service and a minute silence will be held at 11am, as Australia marks a day of mourner for The Queen.

Townsville pauses to remember Queen Elizabeth II

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler says the hoods were originally designed to stop detainees spitting on officers.

Queensland Police ban safety hoods

It's been revealed one patient waited more than five hours to be offloaded from an ambulance at Townsville Hospital in June.

Townsville ambulance wait times revealed

Locals are being urged not to become complacent with risks associated with heavy rain and flooding.

North Queensland told to brace for wet summer

The world has paused to say goodbye to the Queen, with thousands lining the streets for a moving funeral service held at Westminster Abbey overnight.

North Queensland says farewell to Queen Elizabeth

Catchers say the reptiles can been seen out of an afternoon, enjoying the sun and looking for mates following a mild winter.

Snake season is underway in Townsville

Police plead with drivers as more than 10 lives have been lost on local roads so far this year.

More police on our roads these school holidays

The countdown continues for the UK and the world to farewell Queen Elizabeth the second.

Our final goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II

Drivers are being told to take safety seriously, while a new rule begins today. Also - housing crisis roundtable underway, and warning from Parks and Wildlife.

Road safety messages and new rules to know these holidays

A Roma man has been charged following the armed robbery of a servo in July. Also - search continues for missing man, and Townsville labelled a drowning blackspot.

Charges over Hyde Park armed robbery

Police divers have been brought in, as the search continues for Selwyn Malayta last seen in Plantation Creek. Also - mackerel rules not getting bites from fishos and the new road rule beginning today.

Search continues for man missing at Ayr

The Industrial Relations Minister says it'll be like an Australia Day Public Holiday in Queensland. Also - search continues for missing man, and The Cowboys resting up ahead of finals footy.

Townsville's supermarkets able to trade during next Thursday's holiday

Police say the man entered Plantation Creek yesterday morning, and wasn't seen getting out of the creek. Also - fuel prices about to climb, and arrest over alleged theft.

Search and rescue underway at Ayr

The fuel excise tax cut ends in around a fortnight, expecting to add 25c to a litre of unleaded. Also - new limits on Spanish mackerel catches, and Ring Road closures from tomorrow.

Townsville's drivers told to plan ahead, before fuel prices rise

Our city has a higher than average rate of heart disease. Also - why Townsville's crime rate may not be as bad as you think, and the final teams to be determined in the local soccer comp.

Townsville's heart health reminder

Council says it's a blight on our city, and causes serious ramifications for the health of our ecosystem. Also - The Queen arrives at Buckingham Palace, and claims crime rate could be exaggerated by social media.

Townsville's illegal dumpers put on notice

Researchers say social media community groups are hyping up and exaggerating minor crime. Also - reaction to Queensland's housing summit, and our city's illegal dumpers put on notice.

Is Townsville's crime rate as bad as we think?

We'll get an update today on what Australian coins will look like after the passing of The Queen.

What will our Aussie coins look like now?

The PM is under pressure from business groups for calling a public holiday at short notice and, for suspending Parliament for two-weeks

Albo under fire from public holiday announcement

Doctors and businesses are waiting for news from the Premier today on the details of opening times for next Thursday's public holiday to mourn the Queen.

Retailers raise concern ahead of the Queen's Day of Mourning

It comes as thousands of mourners lined the road to watch The Queen's coffin travel from Balmoral to Edinburgh overnight. 

King Charles III proclaimed Queensland's Head of State

Tributes from all around the world are pouring in for The Queen who has sadly died at the age of 96.

Shock and sadness in North Queensland following The Queen's death

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest serving monarch, has passed away after a 70 year reign 

North Queensland remembers Queen Elizabeth II

At least three people have been injured in Townsville this week. Also - local crime rate remains stable, and a reminder to check in this R U OK Day.

Warning to e-scooter riders following spate of crashes

While our overall crime rate remains stable, August saw a increase in drug offences. Also - safety concerns for e-scooter riders, and today's big question - R U OK?

Townsville's crime stats show drop in property offences

Rallies will be held at the Charles Street oval from 3pm. Also - push to drive up our region's weak covid booster uptake, and a chance to name and shame the worst local roads.

Townsville's early educators to walk off the job this afternoon

Only 65% of locals have had a least three shots, compared to the national rate of 72%. Also - investigations into aviation incidents, and a new record for our ag sector.

Townsville still lagging in covid booster uptake

A 29 year-old New South Wales woman has died in a single vehicle crash on Hamilton Island yesterday afternoon. 

Single vehicle crash kills woman in her 20s

Berries and leafy vegetables have been either pricey or in short supply, and we could see another six months of disruptions to some products. 

Farmers Union explains North Queensland produce shortages

Premier says we can expect a historic health budget to be handed down today. 

Health system said to be centre of the State's budget

The push comes after months spent on the front line of the pandemic. 

Frustrated North Queensland health workers push for "fair" pay rise

Townsville's most senior Army figure will be the first to be called to give evidence. 

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide continues today

Many industry groups are looking forward to see what support they'll get in tomorrow's state budget release.

State Budget to be handed down tomorrow

Locals are being encouraged to continue state-based travel in light of passport delays. 

Why head overseas when you can holiday in North Queensland?

Her first time to the region after being appointed the role, with economic action said to be in full swing across the region.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia visits Townsville

From midnight tonight, people won't be required to wear a mask inside airport terminals.

Queensland airports to go mask free tonight

19 percent of patients were ramped in March, which is still one of the best results in Queensland.

Ambulance ramping worsens in Townsville

A crime scene has been declared and investigations are ongoing.

Emergency crews respond to fatal incident on Hervey Range Road

The Electrical Trades Union has taken aim at what it describes as 10 years of regulatory neglect.

Electrical Trades Union speaks on state's energy crisis

Although, several awards won't see the bump until October due to what the Commission calls "exceptional circumstances".

North Queensland's minimum wage to increase by 5.2%

Some experts claim big multi-national companies exporting our gas reserves is partly to blame for Queensland's energy crisis. 

Demand for power continues to rise

State Opposition Leader, David Crisfaulli, says the Government has failed to plan ahead

North Queensland avoids more blackouts as blame game begins

Ahead of Men's Health Week, men across Australia were asked what was keeping them from seeking help with their health when they needed it. 

Research reveals what men think about their health

The region has avoided blackouts overnight following warnings from the Australian Energy Market Operator to prepare for power disruptions.

North Queensland avoids overnight blackouts

It comes as The United Workers Union calls for at least 250 more paramedics to be employed per year to keep up with unprecedented demand.

Premier promises record health funding in upcoming state budget

Starting today, operational hours at the 1300 Smiles Covid-19 testing site have been reduced. 

Townsville covid testing hours reduce

The RACQ says many young drivers believe bad habits have come from their parents. Also - more State Budget wishlists released, and concerns over the Hells Gate Dam project.

Warning to dodgy drivers - your kids are watching you

A local MP has raised concerns it could be delayed by a year. Also - local property market cooling, and the scheme rewarding locals for shopping in our community.

What's going on with the Hells Gate Dam project?

Rising interest rates are driving down massive growth in house prices across regional Queensland. Also making news this morning - concerns over the future of Hells Gate Dam and calls for more business support.

Townsville's property market cooling

SPER Officers will spend the next week in Townsville, Ingham, Ayr, Forrest Beach and Home Hill, chasing almost $55 million in unpaid fees and fines. 

North Queensland residents warned to pay up

We're pretty lucky here in Townsville to be seeing temps as high as 28 degrees, but the Bureau say things are about to change.

Winter chill to sweep across North Queensland

All residents are being urged to lock their doors even while at home and remove car keys from their vehicles. 

Cassowary Coast police plead with locals to 'lock up and look out'

Six months since they first hit the streets, new high-tech cameras have caught more than a 100,000 Queenslanders not following basic road rules.

North Queensland motorists to receive hefty fine for doing the wrong thing

Welfare groups say the latest interest rate hike could push struggling Queenslanders on low incomes to the brink.

Interest rate rise putting more pressure on local families

A worker at Townsville's Cleveland Youth Detention Centre has allegedly been assaulted by three teenage boys during a rampage on the weekend

Teens allegedly assault worker at Townsville's detention centre

Another rate hike is expected when the RBA meets today, putting more pressure on the hip pockets of those paying off a mortgage.

North Queensland expecting to see another rate hike

Police recently raised concerns about potential problems with evidence and DNA testing, and began reviewing hundreds of sexual assault cases.

Inquiry into Queensland's Forensic lab

The aim was to reduce the number of people consuming liquor in public, conducting disorderly behaviour and traffic related offences in the CBD.

'Operation Dry Tropics' wraps up in Innisfail

The retail sector is expecting to see more businesses short staffed or temporarily closed with the rise of Influenza. 

North Queensland businesses expecting to be affected by the flu

Each year close to a thousand kids are admitted to burn units across Australia and New Zealand.

North Queensland urged understand burn risks around their home

The memorial recognises generations of former corrections officers who served at Queensland's oldest continual prison site. 

Officer Remembrance wall officially commissioned in Townsville

Schools have taken a drastic hit from the rise in influenza cases in Queensland.

Schools hit with Influenza across the state

Murray Watt has taken up the new role, a move welcomed by AgForce. Also - ramping rates in Townsville worsen, and warnings flu could follow the trends of covid.

Another Queenslander named as Agriculture Minister

The Health Minister has accused the opposition of spreading false claims over the level of ramping here. Also - warning over surge in flu hospitalisations, and an insight in the Great Barrier Reef's history.

War of words over ramping at Townsville Hospital

In the past week alone, 279 people were hospitalised in the Townsville region. Also - war of words over local ambulance ramping, and speaker at the Mabo Lecture announced. 

Warning flu season could match recent Covid wave

The state government say they're please with the strong uptake in flu shots across Queensland, since they were made free last week.

Flu shots in high demand across Townsville

Set to be launched by James Cook University the new student-led program is designed to help Townsville veterans thrive both physically and mentally. 

New student-led program designed to help Townsville veterans

GPs are reporting that influenza symptoms are lasting longer in patients compared with previous flu seasons.

Medical experts call for separate Covid and Flu clinics to ease pressure on hospital ED's

Townsville, Cairns, Gold Coast and Brisbane will host 16 days of men’s and women’s international cricket with six countries up against our Aussies.

Townsville to host international test cricket matches

From being diagnosed with brain cancer to volunteering her time to combating childhood cancer Keely Johnson has been named the Youth Volunteer of the year in North Queensland.

Townsville local named Youth Volunteer of the Year

Unvaccinated Queenslanders are now able to visit the state's public and private hospitals.

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