Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries announced overnight they will be expanding their SharkSmart drone trial to North Queensland’s Palm Cove and Alma Bay after its success in the state’s south. 

The expansion follows a 98% support rate of the non-lethal control method, with shark scientist Dr Leonardo Guida saying the progress made by the Queensland government is very encouraging.

However, until lethal measures like shark nets are removed, the risk of other sealife like turtles and whales will remain at high risk of drowning.

Lytton-based manufacturing company, Phibion, will be expanding the export of their Queensland built MudMaster machine to the South American nations, showing Australia is serious about the manufacturing and innovation industry.

The MudMaster is designed to make mining cleaner and greener and save water from mine tailings, with Phibion CEO Jacques Janse saying the company values the protection and sustainability of natural resources.

The Brisbane City Council is planning a neighbourhood overhaul of Moorooka, Salisbury and Nathan suburbs with new zoning changes. 

The 3 southern suburbs were zoned as low or medium density, and if changes by the City Council are taken into effect, it would allow up to 8-storey development projects to be built. Moorooka’s Magic Mile is identified as a prime location for mixed-use development to replace the car yards. 

Public feedback on the current draft strategy is open until July 12.

Access to remote communities has been restricted as the Delta variant threatens to cause a national outbreak.

The Northern Land Council has suspended permits into remote communities. allowing only essential services and staff in to protect vulnerable residents.

Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council CEO Robert Skeen says the latest outbreaks are concerning and urges First Nations people over 16 to get vaccinated 

Latest figures show over 87,000 First Nations people have had at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The Gould’s mouse once thought to be extinct was found alive on Shark Bay island off the Western Australian coast.

Researchers at the Australian National University have discovered in their findings the rodent is actually the same species as the Shark Bay mouse. 

The genome of a dead Gould’s mouse specimen found in NSW matches with a living Shark Bay mouse specimen over 4000 kilometres away. Scientists believe a handful remain on the island.

A ceasefire in the Tigray region declared by the Ethiopian Government after almost 8 months of deadly conflict.

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front told Reuters News Agency the capital city, Makelle, is back under their control and the ceasefire will remain in place from now until the farming season ends in September.

The area is in desperate need of humanitarian aid as the conflict has left 350,000 people on the brink of famine and displaced more than 2 million.

Redland Bay water police have urged locals to be more prepared and cautious when boating in Moreton Bay, as rescue missions have become more frequent.

In the past 3 months, 4 people have tragically died, With Redland Bay water police Sergeant Paul Ryan saying these situations are becoming way too familiar.

These tragedies not only affect families and the community but also stretch police resources.

From today until July second, controlled burning will take place on North Stradbroke Island to reduce forest fuels.
Motorists are urged to take care on the roads as the smoke may decrease visibility in the following areas and surrounds: Point Lookout, Amity, Flinders, Keyholes, Main Beach, Redlands and Southern Bay Island.

The annual Abbey Medieval Festival which is scheduled to take place between July 2 - 4 is still underway. 

Organisers of the popular Calbouture festival have offered an online statement confirming the event will still go ahead despite the recent Covid situation, but will keep a close eye on any further developments. 

Any potential visitors are advised to follow health instructions by the Queensland government and be mindful of event updates.