A large oil spill off the coast of California has been labelled an environmental catastrophe. 

It is believed the crude oil has been leaking from a southern Californian pipeline. Over 470,000 litres has spread into an oil spill over 33 square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean, injuring local wildlife and devastating a large ecological reserve. 

Sunshine Coast olympians and paralympians are set to be honoured in an event next week. 

Federal minister for Fairfax Ted O’Brien has organised the event in conjunction with the Sunshine Coast and Noosa councils. 

The Sunshine Coast is a key delivery partner for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson says, “our local Olympians and Paralympians will be an integral part of supporting our road-to-glory journey together towards 2032.”

The free event will be held on Thursday at the USC stadium.

Harvesting ban hopes to see return of healthy sea scallop numbers.

Hervey Bay scallops will no longer be in Queensland restaurants after trawlers have been banned from harvesting them off the coast of Queensland. 

After a steep decline in numbers, the state government has decided to ban trawlers between Hervey Bay and Mackay. 

Spokesperson for the Australian Marine Conservation Society, Simon Miller says scallops in the region have been overfished to dangerously low levels. 

Millions of Queenslanders will be texted at around 12pm today in a new vaccine push. 

Texts and voice recordings will be sent to Queenslanders today in an effort to encourage more people to get vaccinated. 

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath says, “getting vaccinated is vital in keeping Queensland safe and protecting our freedoms.” Queenslanders are urged not to treat this text as spam. 

It is important this number is not blocked as it is used nationally for emergencies and disasters.

​​Magic mushrooms and MDMA may be introduced to Australia for mental health conditions.

These prohibited drugs may be approved in Australia for mental health purposes as early as December.

The Therapeutic goods administration review found over 100 milligrams of MDMA to significantly improve Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It also made a difference in adults with autism who suffered social anxiety. 

​​Australian families are facing daily fines of $222 for failing to complete the census.

The final date for completing the Australian Bureau of Statistics data form was Friday, October 1st.

Whilst over 10 million forms had been returned, representing an estimated 90 percent of the population, the other 10% are facing consequences.  

Statistician, Dr David Gruen, says, “we want to make sure everyone is represented.”

The census takes place every five years and is a crucial indicator to Australia’s economic, social and cultural make-up.

King of Jordan, King Abdullah the second is among dozens of world leaders who have been exposed for holding millions in offshore accounts. 

The Pandora papers have revealed King Abdullah II created a network of offshore companies and tax havens to amass a $100 million property empire. The investigation revealed he bought three Malibu properties using three offshore companies. A Middle Eastern Scholar, Anelle Sheline says, “Jordan doesn’t have the kind of money that other Middle Eastern monarchies, like Saudi Arabia, have to allow a king to flaunt his wealth.” 

Queensland has recorded one new locally acquired case of Covid since Sunday. 

The north Brisbane resident’s infection is currently unlinked to any known Covid clusters in the state. 

The woman, a masseuse in her 50s, was infectious in the community for 10 days, at which time she worked in six massage parlours. 

Chief medical officer Jeanette Young says she’s comforted that the woman was fully vaccinated but is urging anyone with symptoms to get tested immediately.