Emily Dobson

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Emily Dobson |Georgia Loney |Zara Margolis

The cost of Queensland’s CopperString transmission line project has blown out to almost $14 billion – four times what the state government will spend on the Olympics and Paralympics. Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki is expected to reveal the massive cost increase in a major speech on Tuesday after a review into the high voltage network project. It is a significant increase from the $1.8 billion slated when the project was first announced in 2020.

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Emily Dobson |Meghan Dansie

Mining company Glencore is assessing the future of the Mount Isa copper smelter and Townsville copper refinery. The company has approached the state and federal governments to support the assets, which employ a combined 680 people directly. State MP Robbie Katter says the government should consider an option that gives power over the assets back to the people of Queensland. Whether you're checking your phone, turning a hot water tap on or driving to work, you're using copper.

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Maddie Nixon |Emily Dobson |Zara Margolis

Catastrophic floods and a late start to the wet season have caused havoc and devastation in the Queensland outback. Regions have been cut off from visitors just as tourist season is set to start. Providers urge tourists to be patient, with "flush of green" to bloom when flooding clears. For most of outback Queensland, April is considered the start of tourist season. The Easter long weekend, school holidays and cooler weather mean rodeos, festivals and camping.

3 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Meghan Dansie |Emily Dobson

One of Australia's largest, most historic copper mines will stop production at the end of July, its owner has announced. Glencore Australia confirmed the last ore will be pulled up from the Mount Isa copper mine on either July 29 or 30 — ending more than a century of continuous operation. Up to 1,200 jobs were expected to be in the firing line when the intended closure was first announced in October 2023, but Glencore has sincerevised it down to 500.

3 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Abbey Halter |Emily Dobson |Hannah Walsh

Widespread flooding in outback Queensland has caused the death or loss of more than 100,000 livestock, with that number expected to rise. Reduced supply of animals, transportation issues and recovery costs are likely to see retail meat prices rise. Consumers are being urged to keep a close eye on retailers to ensure any passed on costs are fair. As farmers come to terms with the catastrophic loss of livestock from flooding in Western Queensland, consumers are being warned to expect price rises.