Bundaberg billionaire to become the subject of UK investigation

Bundaberg billionaire Lex Greensill is to become the subject of a UK government investigation following reports that former British Prime Minister David Cameron used his personal connections in government to lobby on Greensill’s behalf. The Australian banker owned financial services firm Greensill Capital until the company went into insolvency on March eighth while still owing more than a combined $1 billion to 36 different entities. As Greensill Capital was based in Bundaberg, local businesses are expected to take a hit due to the firm’s collapse.

 

World's biggest macadamia processor expands in Bundaberg

Backed by the Palaszczuk Government, the world's largest macadamia processor will expand it’s Bundaberg facility creating fourty new jobs since the nuts are highly sought after by people all over the globe. Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick says global appetite for our macadamias is huge. The government’s one hundred and seventy five million dollar Jobs and Regional Growth Fund will increase Marquis Macadamias processing capacity by 25%.

 

Climbers and hikers urged to use caution after a man has died

Emergency services are urging climbers and hikers to exercise caution after one man died, another was badly injured and a group of hikers became stuck in separate incidents on the Sunshine Coast this weekend. As the weather cools and the ANZAC Day long weekend approaches, emergency services are bracing for increased traffic at popular climbing spots and a subsequent rise in rescue operations. Senior firefighter Shane McGrail says climbers and hikers should stick to known trails and never take unnecessary risks.

 

Penguins wash up on beaches due to severe weather conditions

Due to severe weather conditions in Victoria, little penguins have washed upon the beaches over the weekend. Authorities were alerted after many of the birds were injured. 13 of the penguins were able to be rescued by Melbourne Zoo’s Marine Response Unit but unfortunately 6 have died since. Phillip Island Nature Parks Research Technical Officer, Paula Wasiak says the weekend was the perfect storm of the breeding season and that this is a normal occurrence this time of year.

 

Protests in Pakistan after police arrest leader of political party

Protests have erupted in several cities across Pakistan after police arrested Saad Rizvi, the leader of far-right political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik, in Lahore yesterday. Tehreek-e-Labbaik are well known in Pakistan for holding mass rallies centred around Islamist ideology and is enjoying increasing support as Pakistan’s establishment parties face growing allegations of corruption. Details pertaining to Rizvi’s detention, including what charges he is being held on, remain unclear.

 

Protesters gather after Police Offer shot black man Daunte Wright dead

Protestors are gathering outside a police station in Minneapolis after a police officer shot unarmed black man Daunte Wright dead in a routine traffic stop. The city’s police chief says Mr Wright’s death was the result of an accidental discharge after the officer mistook her gun for her Taser.` The incident took place just 16 kilometres from where former police officer Derek Chauvin is currently on trial for the murder of another unarmed black man, George Floyd, in May last year.

 

Gold Coast starts the biggest parks project in it's history

The Gold Coast is beginning the biggest parks project in the city’s history as part of its bid to increase green space. The ten-year, $138 million project will create 220 hectares of urban parkland in Robina which Mayor Tom Tate says will be essential as the Gold Coast’s population continues to grow rapidly. The parklands are expected to be six times bigger than the Broadwater Parklands and will include sporting fields, wetlands walks and nature-based experiences.

 

Queensland Carers to join Queensland Carers Advisory Council

Carers across Queensland are now able to nominate to join the Queensland Carers Advisory Council for a two year term. According to Minister for Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford, the Queensland Carers Advisory Council advises the Palaszczuk government on strategies to improve support for carers. Mr Crawford says carers play a crucial role across the state and can have a serious impact on the people who give their time to care for people in need.