Researchers at The University of Queensland are investigating possible uses for excess energy in electric car batteries, to potentially power homes and support the energy grid.

UQ’s Dr Jake Whitehead says that most electric vehicles are using less than 20% of their dedicated range energy, which creates a unique opportunity to export spare energy generated overnight using vehicle-to-grid chargers.

Over 12,000 people are waiting to enter Queensland as police ramp up their presence at airports to ensure COVID compliance. 

Authorities have said recently that only over a thousand of those people are under a newer automated system which would allow travelers to enter the state more easily. 

Although police presence is increasing during an ease of border restrictions, the new system will seek to issue passes immediately with the upload of negative COVID tests and some documentation.

South Australian Agricultural business Elders has recorded its highest profits in over a decade, due to drastic increases in cattle prices and rural real estate.

Despite fears of a reduced inflow of capital from Chinese investors, CEO Mark Allison says a large portion of support has come from local family money.

The federal government will expand its vaccine program to include Pfizer and Moderna doses,with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region and nations in desperate need of doses. 

At the moment Australia is only sending AstraZeneca overseas, however aid and humanitarian groups have called on the government to be more generous.

After a surplus of vaccines in Australia, with more than 80% of the NATION double dosed, the federal government is confident it can begin exporting Pfizer in the coming months to ensure everyone gets a jab. 

Tensions on the Poland / Belarus border are continuing to escalate, as Polish forces have resorted to using water cannons to disperse rock-throwing migrants. 

Thousands of Belarussian migrants are trying to enter the European Union after being forced to flee their homeland in retaliation for protests against President Alexander Lukashenko’s re-election last year.

The Polish defence ministry has said that one policeman has been seriously injured in the protest, and was taken to hospital with a fractured skull.

A US climate agency says last month was the warmest October in the northern hemisphere on record. 

The average land temperature over the northern hemisphere exceeds October 2019, the previous record holder with the average temperature being almost a degree over the 20th century average. 

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration agency has said it is almost certain that 2021 will be one of the 10 warmest years since recordings began. 

 42,000 winners of the QLD holiday vouchers aimed at boosting the tourism sector have failed to redeem the prize. 

The initiative designed by the Palaszczuk government hoped the travel vouchers of value up to 200 dollars would encourage Queenslanders to holiday at home, however only half the vouchers handed out resulted in actual bookings. 

Many users of the travel vouchers have complained about the prices of the experiences available, of having to choose from a provided list of operators and difficulties in applying. 

Disgraced former Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale has revealed that he plead guilty against legal advice as he “just wanted it all over with.”

Pisasale who was jailed last year after pleading guilty to more than thirty offences, including sexual assault, official corruption, and fraud, says he barely remembers the details of his hearing while suffering from multiple schlorosis.

Despite his plea, Pisasale still refuses to agree with some of the statements made by the prosecution, however he maintains he told the truth. Pisasale will be eligible for parole in October 2022.

Shield laws will be introduced to Queensland parliament this week, with the aims of protecting journalists from having to reveal their confidential sources. 

Attorney General Shannon Fentiman has said the laws protect Queenslanders who come forward with important information and will ensure a free, independence and effective media. 

Queensland is the only jurisdiction in Australia to not have shield laws in place.