Australia’s Largest backhoe dredge, The Woomera has arrived in Townsville to begin the $232 million dollar project to widen the port’s shipping channel.

The dredge, welcomed by traditional owners holding a smoking ceremony, is set to dig 30 swimming pools worth of ocean sediment over 2 years to widen the channel, which backers say will attract larger vessels to dock in Townsville as opposed to Brisbane.

Reconstruction efforts in rain-ravaged Gympie could take up to 5 years as recovery coordinator, Paul de Jersey visited and tour the flood-stricken region. 

Gympie mayor Glen Hartwig noted that the rain caused by the remnants of ex-cyclone Seth had created a ‘once in a lifetime disaster, causing significant damage to roads, infrastructure, homes and livelihoods. 

Former Attorney-General Christian Porter and his defamation barrister have been ordered to pay more than $430000 in legal fees to cover the costs of a friend of the woman who accused him of rape more than 30 years ago. 

Jo Dyer, a friend of the woman who accused Mr Porter, successfully argued that there was a conflict of interest to stop Mr Porter’s barrister, Sue Chrysanthou from representing him on account of her raising issues relating to the case prior to her decision to represent him.

Concerns have been raised by NSW parents over plans by the state to require regular Rapid Antigen Tests to be taken by students as part of the state’s back to school plan. 

Reports indicate that the government may require students to return two tests a week in order to remain in school, despite the worries of parents over the possible expense of undertaking multiple R.A.T’s a week. 

New York Attorney General, Letita James has accused the Trump family business of repeatedly misrepresenting the value of its assets to bolster its bottom line saying that the company had engaged in ‘fraudulent or misleading’ practices. 

The filing, made on Tuesday, came after efforts by Donald Trump to block Ms James from questioning him and two of his adult children under oath as part of the attorney general’s enquiry into the conduct of his business and allegations of overvaluing properties. 

Queensland schools have been urged to improve natural airflow in classrooms to help the reduction of COVID-19 transmissions, but air quality experts say the measures do not go far enough.

The new guideline comes as Education Minister Grace Grace ordered a working committee to investigate classroom ventilation, as it was reported that a high school teacher recorded a high-risk ventilation level more than four times than the recommended.

Air quality experts strongly recommended carbon dioxide monitors, which have still not been included in the recent guidelines change.

Several beaches in Queensland’s North have closed after six people have reported being stung by Irukandji in the past 48 hours..

The small type of box jellyfish have moved into the warmer waters during summer, and are almost impossible to see to swimmers, making for an extremely unpleasant surprise.

Queensland Surf Lifesaver Jay March has urged swimmers to cool off elsewhere, and cited the already strained emergency rooms being under equipped to treat a large number of sting victims.

Tennis Australia has broken its silence over the Novak Djokovic scandal, and announced that there are ‘lessons to learn’ for future preparation of the Australian Opens. 

The president of Tennis Australia said board members “deeply regret” the events of the past fortnight and the “significant distraction it has been for everyone” 

In a statement released yesterday, Tennis Australia respected the decision of immigration minister Alex Hawke and announced a review into the implementation of the Australia Open will take place after the competition is complete. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced plans to scrap visa fees for international students and working holiday makers, in an effort to boost the struggling workforce.

From today, international students’ visa fees will be rebated in eight weeks time, with further changes for those who travel for working holidays within 12 weeks.

Morrison’s message to potential working travellers is to come on down and enjoy a holiday in Australia, while also joining the workforce.