A former RAAF pilot accused of murdering his wife allegedly staged her death to look like an accident. Robert John Crawford is on trial for the alleged murder of his wife, Frances Crawford, at their Queensland home in July 2024. The court heard he allegedly strangled her or caused blunt force trauma to her head, then manipulated the scene to appear as if she fell while moving a ride-on mower. The prosecution claims Crawford wanted to avoid financial losses in a divorce settlement and retain possession of their home.
Prosecutors have told a Brisbane Supreme Court jury that a woman found dead beside a ride-on mower was the victim of a staged scene covering up her strangulation by her husband. Robert John Crawford, 49, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Frances Elizabeth Crawford at Upper Lockyer on July 29, 2024. Prosecutor Chris Cook alleges that bruising on the victim's neck was inconsistent with being crushed by a mower. Crawford's barrister, Saul Holt KC, told jurors they had been given an incomplete version of the evidence.
Only one rental market in Queensland is classed as healthy, according to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland's September quarter vacancy report. The Bay Islands, near Redland, recorded a vacancy rate of 3.5 per cent. Forty-eight of the 50 regions tracked remain tight, with vacancy rates of 2.5 per cent or below. Thirty-four regions recorded rates of 1 per cent or less. Antonia Mercorella, the institute's chief executive, said the shortage was changing how Queenslanders live, with more multigenerational households forming and more friends sharing homes to split costs.
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Prosecutors have told a Brisbane Supreme Court jury that former RAAF pilot Robert John Crawford murdered his wife, Frances Crawford, in July 2024. Crown prosecutor Chris Cook alleges Mr Crawford staged her body to appear as if she had fallen from a ride-on lawnmower. Mr Crawford has pleaded not guilty and has always denied the charge. The Crown alleges a breakdown in the marriage, including affairs, and that Mr Crawford was motivated by his home and financial interests. The trial is expected to run for several weeks.
Queensland has been warned of more storms and flooding this weekend after torrential rain caused severe flash flooding in the southeast. Caboolture, north of Brisbane, was the worst hit, where several people were rescued after driving into floodwaters. Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist David Crock said heavy rain and severe thunderstorms are possible across large parts of the state on Saturday. Storms are expected to peak on Monday as a cold front moves through. Flood warnings are current for rivers and creeks on the Sunshine Coast, in the Brisbane and Lockyer valleys, and in western Queensland.
A Queensland adjudicator has rejected an urgent bid to switch off an electric vehicle charger at The Pavilion Apartments in Bulimba. Resident Kin Chen argued that the basement car park lacked fire safety systems to deal with a possible electric vehicle fire. The adjudicator found there was no immediate urgency, noting the charger has operated since about 2020. The body corporate committee had granted retrospective approval last month, with conditions including annual servicing. The broader challenge to that approval has yet to be decided, and the charger remains in use for now.
Hope Vale angler Justin Convent won the adult prize, a Quintrex boat with a motor and trailer, at the Cooktown barramundi competition. More than 1100 anglers entered the event held from Friday to Sunday. Junior winner Nickalah Cobus also took home a boat. Thomas Hone caught the heaviest fish, weighing 7.4 kilograms. Local business owners said the weekend brought many shoppers into town.
Gympie Regional Council is asking the community to help shape renewed playgrounds at Crab Creek Park in Tin Can Bay and Clive Colburn Park in Kandanga. Both projects were funded in this year's Budget and aim to deliver modern, safe and accessible play spaces. The Crab Creek playground sits on the foreshore and is popular with locals and visitors. The Clive Colburn playground is heavily used on game and training days at nearby sporting fields. Surveys close at 5pm on Thursday, 12 November 2026, and the renewals are expected to be completed by 30 June 2027.
Isaac Regional Council has announced a delay in kerbside waste collection for Moranbah residents. Due to mechanical issues, the general and recycling collections scheduled for Tuesday, 27 October 2026, will be completed on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. Residents are requested to keep their bins at the kerbside until the delayed collection. The council has expressed apologies for the inconvenience caused and thanked residents for their patience. For further details, residents can contact the council's 24/7 Customer Service Centre.
Gleneagle State School celebrated 70 years of play on September 16 with an Under 8s Day attended by more than 150 community members. Children, parents and extended family took part in pony rides, cookie decorating, loose parts play, sensory play and hula hoops. Local police and firefighters also visited. Under 8s Day coordinator and Prep teacher Shannon Taylor said the event gave families and younger children a welcoming way to connect with the school before starting Prep.
Logan has about 206 hectares of vacant industrial development land, the Property Council says, offering room for new investment as greater Brisbane faces a shortage of industrial space. Property Council Queensland executive director Jess Caire said infrastructure such as roads and water must keep pace with demand. The council is calling for a $500 million industrial infrastructure fund and a coordinated state strategy to unlock more employment land. Average sale prices for smaller industrial sites rose about 44 per cent over the year to June 2026.
Livingstone Shire Council is asking residents to nominate people who make a difference in their community for the 2027 Australia Day Awards. Nominations open on Tuesday 27 October and close at midnight on Friday 11 December 2026. Recent winners include 2026 Citizen of the Year Robert Lang, who has spent 53 years with the Rural Fire Service, and 2026 Young Citizen of the Year Myilly Symington, a former Cultural Captain at Yeppoon State High School. Award categories include Citizen of the Year, Arts and Culture, Environmental Achievement and Business, Innovation and Corporate Responsibility.
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.
