Hidden crisis: Dark secrets of Qld coastal towns swallowed by Airbnb
A hidden crisis is “swallowing” three Queensland towns whole – and if you’ve visited them, you might be part of the problem.
Community
Bloggers, stars, musicians: Burnett’s influential rural personalities revealed
From community organisers and lifestyle bloggers to sports stars and musicians, Burnett has been home to many inspiring rural influencers. Meet 20 amazing people making a difference.
Watch: Wellness bar’s brazen furniture theft caught on camera
The owner of a pilates studio and coffee bar has been shocked by the not-so-healthy habits of some in her country Queensland town where her small business has been hit by a second bizarre robbery. VIDEO.
‘Too much aggression’: Ex-One Nation member throws hat into election ring
Former One Nation member Douglas Grant will go head-to-head against the ex-Labor member Linda Little for the Division 2 seat in the South Burnett Regional Council election.
‘Needs to be change’: Candidate vows to bring crucial values to council table
Kingaroy businesswoman Heidi Westbrook describes herself as a “passionate community member” with four values she believes the current council lacks.
Decade battle ends in $100 fee to unlock gate on popular weir
The once popular McCauley Weir will open to visitors after a decade-long debate on its roads, but there are conditions including paying a $100 key deposit.
Operation Backpack returns to Kingaroy Shoppingworld for 2024
Kingaroy Shoppingworld has announced the return of Operation Backpack, an initiative to ensure families in need receive everything necessary for their children to start the school year.
Plans for new two-storey motel at Kingaroy revealed
An empty lot in Kingaroy is set to be transformed into the town’s latest accommodation hub, according to a development application approved by the council. SEE THE PLANS.
Man fighting for life after car slams into tree, explodes in flames
Three fire crews were among the emergency services who rushed to the scene of a late night crash on the D’Aguilar Highway on Sunday which left a young man with critical injuries.
VOTE NOW: Help us crown the South Burnett’s best winery
As the South Burnett continues to make its mark as a must-see on Queensland’s wine trail, we’re naming the best spots for a sip as voted by you. Here’s the nine wineries in the running.
‘Not in my lifetime’: Rural advocate questions Paradise Dam rebuild
A Bundaberg region farming advocate says she does not believe she will see the rebuilt dam in her lifetime, as 60,000 people living downstream have been assured they are safe despite the fact the dam was not up to “contemporary safety standards”.
‘Battle to survive’: Country shows face axe after council pulls out
The Burnett could be about to lose four of its country shows following a council decision to no longer be responsible for local showgrounds, leaving already struggling show societies to bear the costs of rates, fees and maintenance. Full report and reaction:
Moth-ageddon: ‘Millions’ of flying insects invade rural Qld towns
Millions of large brown moths have descended on homes and buildings in parts of the Burnett, with some giant “swarms” appearing to double in size every day. VIDEO, PHOTOS.
How cricketers honoured ‘greatly missed’ matriarch after tragic loss
The cricket community has paid touching tribute to the mother of former Australian cricketer Nathan Hauritz who is being remembered for her lifelong dedication to the game she loved and those who played it.
‘Use it or lose it’: Rising costs puts future of country halls at risk
A combination of rising building costs and the ravages of time are raising concerns about the expense of maintaining some of Gympie’s 33 country halls.
‘Larger than life’: Beloved real estate agent, musician mourned
The life of Nigel ‘Nige’ Dwyer was one well lived, and filled with music, decency, honesty, love, dogs, horses and motorbikes.
‘Absolutely disgusted’: Police investigate as school targeted
Children aged 11, 12 and 13 are helping police with their inquiries into a series of offences at the Nanango State School, including a classroom break-in on Christmas day.
$32 billion still in project pipeline as Gympie Bypass nears end
The long-awaited $1 billion Gympie Bypass is less than one year away from completion, but there remains no shortage of mega-projects on the horizon in all corners of the Wide Bay Burnett.
Suspected snakebite: South Burnett resident rushed to hospital
Paramedics have rushed a patient suffering a suspected snakebite to hospital following a call-out to a private property west of Kingaroy. UPDATES.
Brown tap water ‘safe to drink’, according to South Burnett council
The South Burnett Regional Council has apologised to community members who have been affected by the unusual, discoloured water that has come out of their taps in recent weeks but maintains it is safe to drink.
Free swimming spots around the Burnett these school holidays
With summer in full swing and temperatures exceeding 30 degrees most days, sometimes a swim out in nature is the best way to spend the day. Here are some of our favourite swimming spots around the Burnett region.
Council announces fate of one historical South Burnett hall, another in limbo
The fate of one historical South Burnett hall has been decided while another is still up in the air as repair costs are discovered to be up to $800,000, with council considering demolishing the building.
Pass or fail: How readers rated the South Burnett Council in 2023
The results are in from our interactive poll where readers graded their councillors and the South Burnett Regional Councils overall performance during 2023. See who passed with a score of C or higher and see who failed.
Full guide: Where to watch NYE fireworks across Wide Bay Burnett
New Year’s Eve celebrations are set to light up the night sky on Sunday night despite a week of wild weather. See the list of fireworks displays in the South Burnett, Gympie, Rainbow Beach and the Fraser Coast.
Tragedy to triumph: Biggest Wide Bay-Burnett stories of 2023
From tragic road fatalities that impacted countless lives to ordinary people who did extraordinary things, here are the stories that broke our hearts and inspired in 2023.
‘Nothing else matters’: Meet some of Qld’s best young farmers
They’re the lifeblood of the land and the hardworking hands that put food on our plates. Some are even fighting disability and their own demons. READ THEIR INSPIRING STORIES
100+ photos: Kingaroy State High School formal 2023
Arriving in style, the 100-strong graduating students of Kingaroy State High School dazzled onlookers as they arrived for their night of nights. See the stunning gallery of photos:
‘Not a green speck anywhere’: Grim trifecta facing region’s farmers
From graziers in the Burnett to agribusiness operators in Bundaberg, farmers have revealed the trifecta of tough conditions they’re up against on the cusp of summer and the tough choices they’re having to make.
1000mm: Long range forecast of 3-day deluge ‘throwing darts at board’
The long range forecast that parts of the south east Queensland, northern NSW and the Wide Bay could be in for up to a metre of rain over three days in early 2024 has been dismissed as too ambitious this far out.
50+ Photos: Style and glamour steal show at Murgon school formal
Arriving in style and even on horseback, the 30-strong graduating cohort of Murgon State High dazzled onlookers as they arrived for their night of nights. See the stunning gallery of photos:
50+ Photos: Style and glamour steal show at Murgon school formal
Arriving in style, the 30-strong graduating cohort of Murgon State High dazzled onlookers as they arrived for their night of nights. See the stunning gallery of photos:
40+ babies: Who is Burnett’s cutest baby of 2023
With their infectious laughter, cheeky grins and big beautiful eyes, Burnett’s babies are sure to melt hearts. We are searching for the region’s cutest. Look through the gallery and vote. (Click to vote here)
40+ babies: Vote for Burnett’s cutest baby of 2023
With their infectious laughter, cheeky grins and big beautiful eyes, Burnett’s babies are sure to melt hearts. We are searching for the region’s cutest. Look through the gallery to vote.
Carers in tears, town under siege as 15,000 bats move in
Parents and teachers of a Burnett child care centre and primary school are not happy a massive bat colony has taken up residence across the road, as tensions run high between some locals and the wildlife rescuers trying to help the animals.
‘I’ll stab you’: Knife-wielding mum’s terrifying rampage
A mother-of-four has been convicted of 36 offences after threatening multiple people, including a wheelchair bound person, with a knife at a country pub, and violently bashing a random person outside the pub.
Why South Burnett Airbnbs are better than anywhere else
Rave reviews left by Airbnb guests have catapulted the region into the number one spot to stay. See exactly why, and the list of guest favourites.
Motorcyclist rushed to hospital with ‘significant’ injury
A motorcyclist has been flown hospital following a crash with a four-wheel-drive in the Somerset region.
New details after mine worker’s foot crushed by ‘300kg of steel’
The owner of the gold mine near Bundaberg, where a young mine worker sustained a “significant” injury in a horror workplace accident, has spoken out.
The ‘sad news’ that turned young man’s world upside down
When cricket and footy fan Charlie Hughes applied for a job at the Kilcoy meatworks, he never imagined it would lead to the worst discovery of his life.
Remembrance Day: Where you can pay respects in Wide Bay Burnett
November 11 is one of the most solemn days of the year, as families and communities remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Here is where you can pay your respects.
Revealed: Multi-million dollar property empires of Wide Bay’s richest business moguls
There is no shortage of business moguls across Wide Bay Burnett and they have property portfolios to match, some amassing more than a dozen titles. FULL LIST
New playground flying fox comes with ‘serious’ price tag
South Burnett children are getting a brand new piece of playground equipment at Benarkin, but the fun is not coming cheap.
‘Best idea in a long time’: New dog park gets green light
Murgon will get its own dog park after a meeting of the South Burnett council heard the planned project was not only a plus for pets but also, the people who would meet as a result. LATEST.
Cup style on display as Kingaroy celebrates race that stops nation | GALLERY
Kingaroy’s punters were in the Melbourne Cup mood, dressing up for the race that stops the nation to party at the Carrollee and Commercial Hotels.
Kingaroy locals dress up for the Melbourne Cup at the pub | GALLERY
Kingaroy locals got in the Melbourne Cup mood and dressed up for the race that stops the nation at the Carrollee and Commercial Hotels
Cattle truck rolls, bursts into flames on Isis Hwy
The Isis Hwy near was shut for several hours this morning after a truck carrying cattle rolled and caught on fire.
New health service cuts need for patients to drive 150km for help
The delivery of a new service at the Kingaroy Hospital, is being hailed as a ‘huge win’ for cancer patients by dramatically slashing the number forced out of the region for treatment.
Fires, fashion, ghosts: The colourful history of a century-old shop
A 110-year-old building in the middle of Nanango has a rich and colourful past, surviving two fires and decades of changing fads.
‘I couldn’t see any bite marks’: Boy seemed fine before death
A Queensland boy who died after being bitten by a snake had been suspected of stealing alcohol before he was found unresponsive the next morning by his dad, who now faces a trial over his son’s death.
Gin Gin residents to ‘stay informed’, Kinkuna and Goodwood return to ‘watch and act’
Kinkuna and Goodwood residents have been advised to ‘watch and act’ and Gin Gin residents to closely monitor updates as a fire moves towards the town. Howard residents have been told to stay indoors.
Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/south-burnett/community/page/2