Fears of a potential Lockdown for South-East Queensland loom as the state government has listed several new exposure sites for Tuesday amidst the latest COVID-19 outbreak.

These include locations in the CBD, Cannon Hill, and Spring Hill.

Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young says she is monitoring the situation very closely, after the state recorded 1 new case yesterday. 

For the full list of exposure sites, head to the Queensland health website.

South-East Queensland storms are set to begin this afternoon and continue till Friday Evening.

Longreach and the Warrego Region have already experienced heavy rain, hail and winds of up to 125km/hr.

Senior Bureau of Meteorology Forecaster Felim Hanniffy advises South-East Queenslanders to prepare for hail and remain updated as the storm progresses.

The CSIRO is developing a new research station in Forest Hill to further its research into new agricultural technologies. 

CSIRO Agriculture and Food Director Dr Michiel van Lookeren Campagne says the new 77 hectare facility will allow the national science agency to conduct high-tech field trials and observations for crops throughout the northern cropping zone, which extends from central Queensland to central New South Wales.

The research station will grow various legumes, including soybeans, wheat, barley and sorghum. 

Businesses will no longer be able to exploit a loophole in importation legislation to sell nicotine ‘vapes’, the smoking tool gaining popularity with teens, as new legislation gives Border Force the power to intercept any package containing the products. 

A prescription will now be necessary to legally use nicotine vapes, however many are suspicious this will create an even larger black market on social media.

Toxicologist, Dr. Jody Morgan, says the effectiveness of the crackdown will depend on how many GPs are willing to prescribe Nicotine.

The federal government has announced plans to reduce the current COVID-19 disaster payments as vaccination rates continue to rise.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says Australians need to adjust to life with the virus, and by reducing disaster payments the country can begin to open up again. 

At 70% full vaccination, disaster payments will no longer be renewed automatically, with recipients needing to reapply every week. 

Payments will cease entirely once states reach 80%.

Lava from the Cumbre Veija volcano on the Spanish island of La Palma has reached the ocean after nine days of flow. 

The lava has already destroyed 600 homes and plantations, with the response committee concerned the ocean contact may trigger explosions and clouds of toxic gases around the other Canary Islands.

The Spanish government evacuated residents on Monday and declared 10.5 million euros for reconstruction and resources after the disaster.