Epidemiologists are urging Australians over 50 not to wait for an alternative vaccine to AstraZeneca before getting vaccinated. 

Professor Catherine Bennett from Deakin University says it is important people do not settle into a false sense of security about the virus. She says waiting for an alternative vaccine puts Australia at risk of higher transmission rates were an outbreak to occur.

The Pfizer vaccine is recommended for Australians under the age of 50, while the government insists AstraZeneca is safe for those over 50.

The Queensland Government has announced plans to start charging fees for businesses that exhibit animals.

The proposed fee schedule will apply to businesses such as Sea World, Australia Zoo, travelling circuses and petting zoos.

It is not known how much the government expects to raise from the affected businesses, however, estimates from 8 years ago suggest a rate of $183,000 per year.

Plans to transform Queensland beaches into European style beach pavilions have been touted by a State Tourism Discussion paper as a way to attract visitors back to the State. 

Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate, has been pushing for a trial of beach bars in select locations on the Gold Coast. These bars would include deck chairs, umbrellas, and live music. 

Approval would be needed by the State Government, with consultation on the discussion paper closing June twenty eighth. 

Brisbane City Council has defended its decision to approve a $2.1billion redevelopment of the Eagle Street Pier site. 

The thirty year old pier buildings will be demolished, making way for construction of two towers, forty nine and forty three storeys high by the Dexus group. 

Neighbouring property group, Riverside Project  have criticised the plans approval for not being inline with current council planning codes

Israel and Hamas have announced a ceasefire in Gaza, after 11 days of fighting. 

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying the security cabinet unanimously accepted recommendations to an unconditional ceasefire.

At least 232 Palestinians, including 65 children have been killed after heavy Israeli bombardment; On the Israeli side, 12 people have been killed, including two children.

The Gratten Institute has released a report claiming the federal government and Health industry leaders need to develop an urgent rescue plan for the private health industry.

The report says private health insurance premiums have been rising faster than wages and inflation. This causes younger, healthier people to drop their insurance, leading to the insurance risk pool getting worse and premiums increasing more as a result.

The Queensland government has committed $47million to upgrading existing transmission lines to open up infrastructure development for the North Queensland Renewable Project.

This will enable Neoen, a French renewable energy company, to forge ahead with a three hundred and seventy three million dollar, one hundred and fifty seven megawatt Kaban wind farm, creating 250 jobs for locals.

Brisbane’s streets will transform into displays of Indigenous art this weekend, in the latest instalment of the Brisbane Art and Design Festival. 

This exhibition, named Hyperlocal, will feature glass display cases, light boxes, banners, and projections all across the city. The program is curated by the Blaklash Creative collective. 

Brisbane City Council will also host Artist talks and walking tours of the city-wide exhibition.