US based Novavax said its COVID-19 vaccine is more than 93% effective against the predominant transmissible varients.

The clinical trial studied nearly 30,000 volunteers in the U.S and Mexico, with the biotech company claiming side effects are minimal.

The protein-based vaccine is placed on fast track by the U.S government for late 2021 and could be a third vaccine option for Australia if approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

A gas giant’s proposed plan to release coal seam gas wastewater during flooding events is sparking fears for two endangered turtle species that breathe through their bums.

A Santos Spokesperson said there would only be a limited release of water during flooding events, which would be monitored and would not harm the turtles or environment.

This contradicts the company’s own findings in their initial referral documents.

The Noosa Shire Council proposed a solution to its housing crisis, which allow ‘secondary dwellings’ to be built on existing properties.

The pilot scheme aimed to resolve the issue of granny flats being rented out to tenants, who are not members of the same ‘household’ being illegal.

The proposal is to be approved by the State Government for implementation.

In recent times, the Noosa area experienced population loss due to housing cost affordability.

Continuing our coverage of the state budget today, Queensland's debt levels were set to reach 130 billion by 2023-24 due to increased borrowings and a failure to raise revenue as a result of the pandemic.

State treasurer Cameron Dick pointed out that Queensland's total debt will still be lower than New South Wales and Victoria  by 2023-24.

We will continue with our budget coverage in the next bulletin.

New research showed parents are unsure about where to go to address their children’s mental health in a post-Covid world.

Tom Osbourne from Chology said in a survey of one thousand participants, parents said they were waiting for 6 to 18 months to see a professional.

90% of respondents worried about the impacts of Covid on their childrens’ wellbeing.

Osbourne said telehealth is an option to avoid these waits and, “is why telehealth services are an amazing option for parents to get that fast and effective professional support to help their kids”.

Health Minister Greg Hunt announced a big change to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Australia’s GP’s able to administer doses for people with disabilities and the eldery at their homes and residential facilities.

Mr Hunt said it is about expanding the vaccination program, bringing it to people and to ensure there are continuous vaccination programs in our aged care facilities as those programs continue to go forward.”

China denounced a joint statement by the Group of Seven leaders scolding Beijing over a range of issues, from human rights to Taiwan.

The G7 demanded a full and thorough investigation of the origins of the virus in China.

China’s embassy in London said looking at the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic should not be politicised

The state budget for Queensland is due to be handed down later today with Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick indicating overall lower debts and deficits and a greater focus on infrastructure spending than the pre-covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Dick justifies the $50 billion dollar spending on infrastructure as the “path out of the pandemic”, however, it does not indicate new spending on social housing or support for small business owners suffering critical loss as a result of the pandemic.

We will continue to update our coverage on the budget throughout the morning.