Thousands of Queenslanders in interstate hotspots have been invited to participate in a home quarantine trial starting today. 

Typically, anyone arriving from overseas, or a hotspot must undergo 14 days quarantine at their own expense.

The trial seeks people who meet a strict criteria. They must be fully vaccinated, produce a negative test three days before travelling and are able to quarantine alone or with an entire household also in quarantine.  

However, with the programme kickstarting today and 1000 places on offer, only 407 people have signed up. 

The D’Aguilar Highway in Caboolture and Pumicestone Road at Toorbul are due to be resurfaced after the community had been calling for action. 

A 662.5 million dollar Bruce Highway upgrade, from Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way has also begun. 

State Member for Pumicestone Ali King says construction will start later this year.

These highway upgrades in the Sunshine Coast and Moreton regions are expected to create over 660 jobs. 

The Gympie Hospital Children’s ward is set to reopen after residents of the region voiced its importance to the community.

Residents were shocked and angry after the Gympie Times Reported the ward had been closed due to a lack of paediatricians. This meant parents of unwell children and newborn babies were forced to travel 100km south to receive treatment.

The Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service refuses to guarantee its reopening as it was unable to acquire the specialists needed to staff the ward. 

The Independent Schools Australia survey gathered data from 2000 parents from public, private and catholic schools in the country. 

Data shows “Gaining confidence and self-esteem” is the top priority for parents of private school students. Only 44% of parents are choosing private schools for “educational excellence” a 6% drop from the previous survey 5 years ago. 

Independent Schools Australia Chief Executive Margery Evans says “Most parents want more from education than just academic results.” 

The government plans to assist the growing number of children with mental health issues.

The National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy is a world-first as it provides support to children 12 and younger, as well as their families.

It was developed by the National Mental Health Commission and includes increased resources for public mental health services and more affordable training to help paediatricians. 

The US just concluded their first talks with the Taliban since withdrawal of American troops. 

The meeting in Qatar focused on evacuating US citizens and providing humanitarian aid. US officials say the talks were “candid and professional” and insist the meeting does not amount to recognition of the Taliban. 

American political advisor, Ned Price, says both parties discussed the establishment “of robust humanitarian assistance, directly to the Afghan people.” 

Brisbane is set to be hit with a month’s worth of rain within the next few days.

More than 70mm was recorded last night in some part of the south east, with more to come. Meteorologist Rickus Lombard says the worst of the storm activity will hit south east Queensland by Wednesday.

The Weather Bureau forecasts a significant drop in temperatures alongside the heavy rain and storms. Up to 35mm is expected to be recorded in Brisbane today, with the wet weather set to hang around until the weekend. 

A Mansfield family camp for children with autism has received a funding boost

Mansfield Autism State-wide Service has received $3.8 million in the latest round of the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

The money will help fund the five-night family camp initiative which focuses on outdoor experiences such as yoga, games, healthy foods and exercise.

Director Simon Reeves says, “What we want to do with our family camp is provide the environment for families to come and relax and enjoy each other.”