AM Briefing: Today’s top news

Get what you need to know to start your day. Here’s your morning briefing of today’s top stories.

Damage from Tropical Cyclone Imogen at Normanton Tourist Park. Picture: Supplied

Catch up on the latest breaking news and must-read stories with your AM Briefing.

Here’s what’s making headlines today.

Qantas reopens international flight bookings

Qantas has signalled its confidence in the return of international travel following the global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, on Tuesday reopening bookings across its entire overseas network from July 1, 2021.

Sales of tickets for flights to the US and London have been brought forward for departures from July 1, after the national carrier had previously removed these flagship routes from its flight schedule until at least October 2021.

‘Life-threatening’ 300mm in six hours

North Queensland is bracing for “life-threatening flash flooding” as forecasters warn rainfall totals of up to 300mm could fall in just six hours on Tuesday, as ex-tropical cyclone Imogen continues to wreak havoc.

At least 12 rivers are on flood watch, hundreds of people are without power and dozens of roads have been cut after the former category 1 system crossed the coast near Karumba, in the Gulf, on Sunday night, dumping more than 260mm on Monday morning.

Outpouring of generosity for surfer

Community members have pitched in to raise more than $15,000 - and counting - for beloved Coolum surfer Luddy Reynolds who died in a New Year’s Day tragedy.

Mr Reynolds, 20, died after a midnight swim with mates at the Mary River near Gympie which sparked a 12-hour search.

Six major projects to transform Brisbane’s northside

The face of the river city is changing as it struggles to accommodate a predicted population boom that will vastly increase the demand on roads, housing and facilities.

From controversial housing projects to multimillion dollar highway upgrades, here are the developments to watch on Brisbane’s northside in 2021.

Gold Coast mum’s quarantine nightmare

A healthcare worker has been separated from her young son and placed in quarantine at the Victorian border – for living just one street away from the Gold Coast border.

Tweed radiology manager and model Gemma Mai flew into Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport on Sunday, when she was “pulled aside” by health and border security officers.

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