Toowoomba News

• Supermarket chicken could get cheaper due to grain breakthrough

  Australian researchers develop a high-protein sorghum variety, hoping to replace expensive livestock feed with systems that could lead to cheaper meat and eggs.

• Former accountant jailed after defrauding Toowoomba theatre of $850k

  A man has pleaded guilty in Toowoomba District Court today to two counts of fraud as an employee, with one of those fraud charges involving more than $100,000.

• National campdraft competition cancelled over soaring cost of fuel

  One of Australia's biggest campdrafting events is postponed due to the fuel crisis, with organisers hoping to reschedule the event within a few months.

• Farmers clash with government over new water basin laws

  The Queensland government says new legislation will protect a vital groundwater reserve, but farmers warn the new laws will make things worse.

• Diesel cost hikes hurt 'travelling city' of resilient showmen

  Showmen are determined to keep putting on agricultural shows for regional Australia despite the "frightening" cost of fuel. 

• Petition calls for video of death in custody to be released despite coroner ruling

  Raylene Nixon says the public should be able to make their own minds up about what happened to her son in his final moments.

• Here's who you should see at comedy festivals across Australia

  Comedy season is in full swing, with festivals across the country hosting the best acts from Australia and the world. We asked our favourites to share their recommendations.

• Pastoral company fined record $45,000 for Queensland biosecurity breaches

  A pastoral company has been hit with a record $45,000 fine after moving thousands of cattle across state lines without proper tracking. Authorities say the penalty sends a clear warning.

• More than 1,600 new gas wells approved for rural Queensland until 2081

  A major multinational gas venture has just secured federal approval to ramp up extraction in rural Queensland — locking in operations for the next 55 years.

• Footballers jailed for sexually abusing girl at party in regional Victoria

  A judge described Jaiden Fidge and Riley Smith's offending as having an element of "abhorrent male bravado", with the court hearing one of the footballers boasted about the assault.

• Man charged after fire destroys PCYC building

  A 28-year-old man has been charged with stealing and arson after the Toowoomba PCYC was destroyed by fire, as the organisation says replacing it could cost up to $20 million.

• 'We want your ticks': Researchers investigate chemical resistance

  Queensland researchers are asking farmers to send them live cattle ticks as part of an effort to protect the nation's $17.7 billion cattle industry.

• Date set for Bruce Lehrmann rape trial in Queensland

  Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann will stand trial on two counts of rape at a later date.

• Former RAAF pilot charged with murder loses legal costs battle

  Robert John Crawford appealed a decision to refuse his legal costs in a District Court battle against Queensland's police commissioner.

• Floodwater creeps up on outback Queensland town

  Longreach braces for flooding set to peak this weekend as residents in low-lying areas of the town are told to sandbag their homes.

• Coroner to examine whether 'unusual' death of Elizabeth Struhs was preventable

  The Queensland coroner will examine interactions the Struhs family had with government agencies before the eight-year-old's death at the family's Toowoomba home in 2022.

• Without fuel, these rural businesses say there will be no food

  Growing fuel uncertainty is hitting rural and fisheries businesses across regional Queensland, potentially costing them thousands in lost production and higher operating costs.

• Flood warnings across Queensland as tropical low continues south

  A tropical low crossed the coast near Innisfail on Friday afternoon, bringing heavy rain and flooding to large swathes of Queensland.  

• 'Kids can have strokes': Boy’s collapse highlights risk for children

  Hugh Proud collapsed at his tiny outback school in 2022. Four years later, he shares his story to raise awareness of childhood stroke.

• Man's alleged failed bid to steal copper wire lands him in hospital

  A man is in critical condition in hospital after allegedly trying to use a knife to cut wire from a feeder pit and likely triggering a 2-metre fireball.

• Mum and son wait hours for police as thieves hit home for third time

  Intruders break into a Toowoomba family's home in a post-midnight raid, forcing the woman and her 11-year-old son to lock themselves in a room after calling Triple Zero.

• Buskers at Australian championships showcase why live is best

  Musicians young and old battle it out for the prize of top busker at a national event in Southern Queensland.

• More children in residential care in Qld than other states, inquiry told

  Queensland's Commission of Inquiry into Child Safety spends seven months exploring the complex issues surrounding children in care and how to improve their experience. 

• Gas giant launches legal action against Australia's biggest pork producer

  A major energy company is taking Australia's largest pork producer to court over plans to build gas pipelines through its property on Queensland's Western Downs. 

• Child commissioner raises concerns about $50m secure care plan for at-risk kids

  An inquiry into Queensland's Child Safety services hears critiques of the state government's plan to build a $50-million facility to house children who pose a danger to themselves or others in care.