Echidna returns to the wild: A young echidna has been successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild in Rockhampton. The Department of Environment says the animal was illegally taken from Mount Archer National Park by a member of the public in February 2025 and kept in captivity for three months without a permit. Upon its release, it immediately began foraging on small insects and disappeared into bushland.
Flu cases on the rise: The Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service is urging residents not to be complacent with flu as we enter the warmer months. Queensland Health has recorded more than 60,000 flu cases in the state this year. Chief executive Lisa Blackler says flu case numbers in the region have been on the rise, adding pressure to emergency departments.
Theft charges: Gladstone police have charged a 19-year-old Yeppoon man with 17 property crime offences. Police allege the man was involved in several break-ins and vehicle thefts in the Gladstone area throughout July. Gladstone Criminal Investigation Branch Senior Sergeant Brett Richard says detectives will keep working with the local community to prevent property crime and hold offenders to account.
Military might in CQ: A major international military exercise began in central Queensland this week. Exercise Wallaby will run until November with more than 5,500 Singapore troops expected to come to the region. The exercise kicked off with the arrival at the Rockhampton Airport of an Antonov plane carrying helicopters and military vehicles. Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams says the exercise is now in its 35th year.
Biloela price bump: The latest real estate data reveals Biloela has had the highest value growth in the past 12 months in all of regional Queensland. The median value has risen to $345,000 with an annual change of 19 per cent. Central Highlands house prices also increased by almost 17 per cent, with a median value of $371,000.
Crime prevention school: Rockhampton is one of three cities across the state earmarked for a new crime prevention school. The program would include a focus on education and life skills to re-engage at-risk youth and prevent crime before it starts. The school would cater to grades 7-12 and operate under the special assistance school model. It is part of a $50 million commitment across five years from the state government.
Solar company vs Gladstone: A company looking to build a major solar farm in central Queensland is appealing against a council's refusal to extend its development approval. Elements Green plans to build a 700MW solar farm south of Gladstone, which would be supported by a battery energy storage system. The Eurimbula Solar Project received development approval in 2018, but the approval lapses in August next year. Elements Green requested an extension to the approval, but the Gladstone Regional Council refused, saying there's been no record of relevant works on the site. The company has now lodged an appeal in the Planning and Environment Court, arguing it's spent $40 million on the project so far.
Zoo-prison partnership to grow: Eucalyptus trees have been planted at Rockhampton's Capricornia Correctional Centre in a partnership with Rockhampton Zoo. Over four hectares of prison land, 4,000 trees across eight species will be planted, to be harvested as food for the zoo's koalas. Capricornia Correctional Centre general manager Alan Houchin says they have developed a program to teach low custody prisoners about how to plant and care for the eucalyptus trees.
