Qld icon in crisis as Royal Flying Doctor planes grounded
Vital emergency care has been limited to daylight hours as the Royal Flying Doctor Service reports a critical shortage of pilots.
Townsville
‘I will not resign’: Mayor firm amid stand-down demands
Townsville City Councillors and Mayor Troy Thompson were at loggerheads amid debate over the recruitment of the CEO, as he addressed threats to suspend him.
Emergency services respond to vehicle and pedestrian incident in Pimlico
Two people have been transported to hospital following a vehicle and pedestrian incident near Pimlico High School.
Revealed: Mum and son’s jail drug drop
A former NQ crocodile tour guide serving a prison sentence for assaulting a man was busted getting drugs delivered to jail by his mother to sell to inmates. Here’s how they did it.
‘Breaking the mould of what it is to be a man’
A group of Townsville men are creating a positive community focused on mental and physical wellbeing. With their motto ’healthy living, heavy lifting,’ they’re reshaping what it means to be strong and making a big impact.
Top-tier North Queensland lychee ready to return to market
After a challenging 2023 season, the highly sought-after North Queensland lychees are expected to make a triumphant return to global fruit markets in the coming months.
Meaghan Scanlon on Townsville mayor’s show cause notice
As Labor kicked off day one of the election campaign in Townsville today, Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon was questioned on what triggered…
‘It breaks my heart’: Local legend calls on mayor to stand aside
Steve “Pricey” Price says the mayor saga is “a pity” for the city in which he takes immense pride, saying Troy Thompson is not fit to be Townsville mayor.
Pricey weighs in on Townsville council drama
It’s not every day you see Townsville icon Steve ‘Pricey’ Price sitting in on a council meeting. Here’s what he had to say today about the ongoing…
Tragic details emerge in alleged DV murder
A beloved mum had just bravely overcome a fight with cancer before she was allegedly murdered at the hands of her ex-partner on Palm Island.
Strong flooring demand inspires new chapter for businesses
Riding high thanks to strong demand from builders and DIY customers, National Tiles and Carpet Call have reopened in a new location. See where.
‘Optimistic’: Why business confidence is growing despite challenges
Despite facing a raft of challenges, including the expansion of paid parking, Townsville businesses feel positive going into the final quarter of 2024. See why.
Crisafulli ‘absolutely’ open to making a deal with Miles to oust mayor
Troy Thompson has just three weeks to convince a state government he deserves to remain Townsville’s mayor, as both Labor and LNP commit to ensuring the city doesn’t remain “in limbo”.
‘Sang Mr Brightside at our wedding’: Killers fans hyped as countdown begins
Townsville is buzzing with excitement as The Killers prepare to kick off their massive Aussie tour in just 60 days – and local superfans can barely contain themselves.
LNP commit $1.8m for Townsville’s Community Gro
LNP has committed $1.8m for “gold standard” early intervention program, which is Townsville’s Community Gro program.
Costume designer has a ball bringing Cinderella magic to life
Audiences are preparing to be swept away into the enchanting world of Cinderella, where 30 breathtaking handmade gowns are poised to dazzle under the spotlight.
Program helping next-gen truckies hit the road to success
For anyone eyeing a career in the transport industry, an brand-new program is hitting the gas, designed to drive more fresh talent onto the roads. Find out more.
Murder accused son has charge stall due to mental health
A Townsville man alleged to have killed his mother by brutally stabbing her has had his case halt due to the mental health court. See the latest.
‘Someone is going to be killed’: Hoon gangs infiltrating suburbs
Young men claiming affiliation with the notorious Mexican Hoon Cartel have left a trail of destruction in Townsville, racking up $300k in damages to public property — all at the expense of local ratepayers — while flaunting their reckless antics on social media.
Townsville RAAF base undergoing $100m refresh
Infrastructure upgrades are being done across Townsville RAAF base ahead of the arrival of 29 Apache helicopters and 350 personnel from Darwin over the next two years.
Townsville’s top five ‘essential’ election demands revealed
With the state election just weeks away, Townsville Enterprise has laid down its top five priorities for funding to keep the north thriving. From housing to health, and a mega tourism boost, these are the projects they want locked in.
Tradie’s bomb hoax shuts down strippers
A young man who was kicked out of a Townsville strip club has fronted court for faking an emergency call to police forcing everyone to evacuate.
‘Risk too important to take’: Premier holds crisis talks over mayor
Queensland’s Premier is meeting with his cabinet about suspending Townsville’s embattled mayor Troy Thompson, saying Townsville has “stumbled” under his leadership.
Tradie jailed for $65k+ MDMA, coke operation
A Townsville electrician was consuming an “eight ball” every weekend while involved in a massive drug operation that spanned over a year, according to his lawyer.
Council ordered to pay $600k for horror workplace accident
Townsville City Council has been ordered to pay almost $600,000 to a contractor left blind in one eye after an industrial accident.
Townsville high-tech precinct signs supercomputing deal
Townsville’s first high-tech training and testing center has secured a multi-million-dollar deal to bring in powerful supercomputers. Find out more here.
How ‘incredibly strong’ couple are helping others after losing baby
An Ingham couple has turned their heartbreaking loss into a beacon of hope for others by raising thousands of dollars for Townsville University Hospital’s neonatal unit in memory of their daughter, Lucy. This is their story.
$2.65m for JT’s ‘You Got This’ youth-at-risk program
A program run by a North Queensland sporting legend aimed at building resilience and confidence in at-risk youths is set to receive an additional $2.65 million in funding.
Follow the Sun for free night of music and culture
Bringing some of Australia’s most exceptional art and music acts to the heart of Townsville, NAFA will also hold a free night of live music and culture this weekend. SEE THE LINEUP
New army vehicles deploy bridges in minutes, clear minefields
A new fleet of combat engineering vehicles are set to arrive in Townsville early next year as sappers familiarise themselves with the machines in America. Read how they will enhance capability.
Sacked Cowboys assistant coach faces court for drink driving
Former Cowboys assistant coach James Maloney stood alone in court today, facing a drink driving charge after being stopped at an RBT in Townsville last month. Here are the details.
Beer garden, brewery and a new name for historic NQ pub
At 137 years old, Charters Towers’ iconic Court House Hotel is getting a fresh new look, complete with live music, a beer garden, and its very own craft brewery. See what else is changing here.
The lesser-known Labor minister who deserves an E+ rating
Our state politics team have given their verdict on the Miles government’s performance, with one minister receiving an E+ for their efforts. VOTE NOW
Pedal to the metal: Three more years of Supercars locked in for Townsville
The city has officially been given the green light to host the NTI Townsville 500 Supercars event for the next three years.
Man on murder charges over Palm Island woman’s death
Queensland Police have charged a man with murder following the death of a 39-year-old woman known to him on Palm Island earlier this month.
Ocean-inspired artist shrinks things down for unique souvenirs
You’ve seen her work splashed on the walls of Townsville Airport — now resin artist Brenda Stone is offering travellers downsized versions of her ocean-inspired art as unique souvenirs.
Plans unveiled for new Townsville hub to double DV crisis support
In response to the alarming rise in domestic violence calls, the LNP has unveiled a $31m plan to strengthen domestic and family violence support services, including a new Townsville-based hub for DVConnect.
$65m housing package plea to solve North Qld ‘epidemic’
A North Queensland property developer agrees the housing crisis is one of the most pressing concerns for the region, asking for state government intervention to help build more homes.
Time ticking as Labor fails to name candidate in northern seat
Queensland Labor is still scrambling to find a candidate brave enough to run in an North Queensland electorate just a month out from state elections. See why.
Why owners of beloved Maggie Island cafe are moving on
After captivating tastebuds on Magnetic Island for the past eight years, the owners of a popular cafe are closing and selling their business. See what will happen next.
Townsville sappers put boots on the ground in PNG
Each year Exercise Puk Puk brings together 3rd Brigade and the Papua New Guinea Defence force to deliver critical infrastructure, upgrade and repair projects in the pacific island nation.
Townsville Lieutenant given PNG Independence Day honour
Less than a month ago Anthony Basaglia completed his military training. On Monday he found himself a part of one of PNG’s biggest celebrations. Read about the whirlwind start to his career.
3rd Brigade change thousands of lives with lifeline bridge
When Townsville combat engineers in PNG spotted a bridge in disrepair, they took matters into their own hands. Read how their quick action has transformed the lives of thousands.
Cowboys icon leads safety push amid surge in e-scooter tragedies
Cowboys legend Matty Bowen is spearheading a new safety campaign to tackle the alarming surge in e-scooter accidents sweeping through the region. Watch the video.
Confusion over NQ employment data: Job losses or gains?
Townsville is caught in a jobs numbers tug of war, with mixed messages from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. See how a North Qld economist is trying to the bottom of it.
‘Mind-blowing’: Message in a bottle found after 8-year journey
A group of North Queensland hikers are hailing the ‘find of a lifetime’ after discovering a message in a bottle set adrift by three California girls on holiday in Fiji eight years ago. See what it said.
CopperString breaks ground on new workforce hub in Richmond
Powerlink will officially break ground in Richmond today on CopperString’s second workforce accommodation site, bringing big bucks to the small town.
Two injured in two Townsville scooter accidents
Two people were badly hurt in two separate scooter accidents in Townsville in the space of two hours on Sunday. Here are the details.
‘Mind-blowing’: Message in a bottle found after 8-year journey
A group of North Queensland hikers are hailing the ‘find of a lifetime’ after discovering a message in a bottle set adrift by three California girls on holiday in Fiji eight years ago. See what it said.
The must-see shows you can’t miss at NAFA this year
Under the creative direction of Kyle Page, NAFA 2024 promises to transform Townsville with a dynamic blend of local talent and debut international performances. Check out the program highlights.
Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/townsville