First-home buyers have been locked out of 169 previously affordable Queensland property markets since the federal 5 per cent deposit scheme was expanded a year ago. An analysis of Realestate.com.au data found that 852 of 890 house and unit markets have risen in value. Deagon houses jumped 31.2 per cent to $1.187 million. Since October, new Queensland mortgage lodgements have fallen 30 per cent, with first-home buyer applications down 18 per cent, according to Loan Market. Buyer's agent Lauren Jones said rising interest rates and living costs have cut borrowing power, leaving young buyers largely absent from the market.
Police data shows more than 15,000 people have been scanned for weapons in Queensland's Far North since Jack's Law became permanent. Officers have seized 129 items considered weapons and charged 241 people with 378 offences linked to the reforms. The law is named after 17-year-old Jack Beasley, who was fatally stabbed at Surfers Paradise in 2019. Police say the scans aim to prevent violence and reduce knife crime. Government ministers and local MPs have praised the results.
Small businesses in Queensland's Far North are the first in the state to take part in free Queensland Government artificial intelligence courses. The courses are part of an $11.5 million micro-credentials program. The first sessions are being held in Cairns, and about 80 businesses have taken part. Courses run over six weeks with weekly two-hour workshops, online or face-to-face. The University of the Sunshine Coast is delivering the AI course, and more courses are due next year.
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Four men have been arrested and charged with a combined 57 child exploitation offences after co-ordinated searches across Brisbane and far north Queensland. Police allege one man was caught downloading disturbing material. Detective Acting Inspector Les Lucas urged caregivers to regularly talk with children about their online activity. He said children should know they can turn to a trusted adult if they feel unsafe. Three men were remanded in custody, and a fourth was bailed to appear before a court in December.
Award-winning Kuranda musician Djawarray will headline UMI Arts' 19th annual Big Talk One Fire festival at Munro Martin Parklands on 24 October. He will close the evening with the Koahlition band, blending rainforest reggae and rock with his language and English. Dance groups from across the region will also perform, including Babinda's Jaban Dancers, making their debut. Seven workshops will offer activities such as jewellery-making, painting and basket weaving.
West Pennant Hills Bowls Club held semi-finals in which Michael Williams beat his son Lachlan 125 to 112, and Kevin Tuckerman reached the final after winning an extra end against Geoff McIntosh. In the final, Tuckerman pulled ahead late to defeat Williams 125 to 114. The club is also preparing its yearly bus trip for 33 bowlers, partners and friends, travelling to Wagga Wagga in October. They will stay for ten days, play against three local clubs, and visit attractions such as the RAAF museum and a liquorice and chocolate factory in Junee.
Kawanji Dance Group from the Palmer River region will perform traditional dances at UMI Arts' Big Talk One Fire festival in Cairns on Saturday 24 October. The group says its dances honour ancestors and pass cultural knowledge from grandparents to grandchildren. Representative Graham Brady said the performances keep that knowledge alive for future generations. The free festival runs at Munro Martin Parklands from 3 to 9 pm, with gates opening at 2 pm. It features music, dance, workshops and art markets, including headline performer Djawarray.
An expansion to Cairns State Special School has been officially opened. Two new buildings and new outdoor learning spaces include therapy and sensory rooms, specialist equipment, a new playground and extra car parking. The school principal, Alicia Smith, said the facilities would let students keep learning tailored to their needs. Premier David Crisafulli said the government is delivering more special schools to give families more choice. Member for Mulgrave Terry James said the extra capacity would ease pressure from growing local enrolments.
Three Cairns-based arts organisations are asking Far North Queenslanders to help fund creative projects. The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair is aiming for $15,000 to help First Nations artists reach international audiences through opportunities linked to Art Central Hong Kong. JUTE Theatre Company and UMI Arts are also fundraising. The appeals form part of AusArt Day, a national campaign on 22 October involving more than 350 artists and organisations. Last year's campaign drew 4768 donors who gave a total of $2.42 million.
Independent MP Helen Haines is in a serious but stable condition after being rammed by a four-wheel drive in Victoria. Pauline Hanson warned Prime Minister Albanese in June about rising threats to herself and other politicians. Hanson has hired private security and called for an official review of her protection after receiving threats. A 47-year-old Perth man was charged by the Australian Federal Police for allegedly threatening to kill Hanson.
Retired dentist Peter Lynch has designed a $4 plastic basket that lets pickers pack mulberries directly into punnets. His Sunshine Coast hinterland farm, Kureelpa Mulberry Company, says the change has cut fruit damage by 80 per cent and reduced labour costs. The farm's four-week harvest depends on daily pickers, and the couple is concerned that cuts to working holiday visa numbers could make hiring difficult. Two French working holiday makers on the farm said a second year in Australia is uncertain.
Nebo residents face a planned water supply outage from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Thursday, 29 October 2026, while the council carries out repairs at the Emergency Services Building. About 11 properties on St Lawrence and Kemmis Streets will be affected. Once supply returns, some households may notice discoloured water. Residents in that situation are advised to flush their taps and avoid using washing machines until the water runs clear. Flushing water can be reused on gardens or lawns.
Mining companies in Queensland's North West Minerals Province are struggling to find workers as drilling ramps up and new jobs open. AIC Mines chairman Aaron Colleran said hiring has been difficult everywhere, including at its Eloise copper mine near Cloncurry. The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association estimates the industry will need 24,000 new workers across the country by 2027. Queensland Resources Council figures point to competing skill needs and fewer young people entering trades and mining careers. Industry leaders say apprenticeships must grow to ease the shortage.
Entries for the 2026 Spring in the Mary Photo Competition close this weekend, on October 31. The Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee is inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to share spring images from across the region. Six award categories share $2,500 in prizes, including a Junior category for entrants aged 16 and under. Entrants may submit up to three original photographs taken within the Mary River catchment, using a camera or smartphone. Images, a short caption and an entry form are to be emailed to the committee.
Tom Offermann agents sold two of three properties offered at auction on the weekend, despite heavy rain across South East Queensland. Erica Newton sold a Noosaville penthouse to a local buyer. The week before, she sold a Sunrise Beach house, the legacy of Kenneth and Wendy Heinze, for $3.6m, with proceeds going to four charities. The Real Estate Institute of Queensland says 48 of 50 tracked regions were in the tight rental range of 0 to 2.5 percent in the September quarter.
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Brisbane and the Gold Coast are on track for their wettest October in six years. Brisbane has recorded about 170 millimetres this month, roughly double its October average of 87 millimetres. Flash floods hit Caboolture and Morayfield, where more than 400 millimetres fell over the past week. The Sunshine Coast is likely to break its October record, with 369 millimetres already recorded at its airport. The Bureau of Meteorology says Brisbane is not expecting heavy falls, apart from possible showers.
The Raiders have withdrawn their four-year, $4.4 million contract offer to Hudson Young. The PNG Chiefs have offered him a tax-free deal of $900,000 a season, which is financially better. The Chiefs said they could not fit him under their salary cap at the $1.1 million a season figure set by the NRL. The Raiders had wanted to sign Young long term and felt they had to act before the November 1 deadline, when players with expiring contracts can negotiate with rival clubs.
City of Moreton Bay and the Brisbane Bullets are calling on residents to nominate people who make a difference in local sport. The Community Hero initiative recognises coaches, volunteers and everyday champions who go above and beyond. Two finalists will each receive four game tickets and a half-time shout-out. The major winner will receive a courtside box experience for four, food and drinks, a signed jersey and an on-court thank you. Nominations close at 11:59pm on Sunday 22 November.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour has paid tribute to former councillor James Hansen, who has died. Hansen served one term on the former Woocoo Shire Council from 2004 to 2008 and three terms on Fraser Coast Regional Council from 2012 to 2024. Seymour described Hansen as one of the region's last dairy farmers and a passionate advocate for primary producers. He said Hansen always stood up for his beliefs. Seymour said his thoughts are with Hansen's family and friends after what he called a sudden and tragic loss.
Community and not-for-profit groups have until this Saturday, 31 October 2026, to apply for Council's Community Grants Round 1. Two grant levels are available. Small Grants of up to $5,000 are co-funded by Senex Energy and do not require a co-contribution, although one is favoured. Major Grants range from $5,001 to $20,000 and require a co-contribution of up to 50 per cent. Groups can discuss their projects with Council's Local Development Officers before applying.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council has won the Local Government Mutual Services Risk Excellence Award for its Flash Flood Sensor Network. The radar sensors monitor water levels at known flood-prone locations across the region. Readings feed into the Cassowary Coast Disaster Dashboard, where residents, emergency services and Council can view local conditions. The network has already helped police and State Emergency Service personnel monitor conditions around Mission Beach. Council is running a three-year trial to verify the sensor readings and assess the system's effectiveness.
Amanda Stoker has been appointed Queensland's Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. She replaces Amanda Camm, who stepped down from the role due to illness. Stoker previously worked at the private bar in commercial, administrative and corporate crime law, and served as an Australian senator. Her tasks include refining domestic and family violence laws, rolling out a perpetrator electronic monitoring pilot and expanding support for victims. Premier David Crisafulli said she will build on reforms begun by Camm.
Prison officers in Queensland fear deaths in custody and more assaults on staff under a proposed bill. The bill would remove a requirement for corrective services staff to consider prisoners' human rights. Officers interviewed by the ABC say overcrowding, including possible triple bunking, would make jails more dangerous. Queensland Corrective Services supports the exemption, saying it is needed for staff and community safety. Corrective Services Minister Laura Gerber says the government will put victims' rights ahead of offenders' rights.
