Jennifer Nichols

Tanawha

Reporter at ABC News (Australia)

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Articles

Potentially deadly fire ants found in new Queensland housing development

1 week ago | abc.net.au | Jennifer Nichols

Two nests of potentially deadly fire ants have been found and destroyed at Palmview on the Sunshine Coast. The search continues for nests in the surrounding area, where there are fears that children living and playing nearby could be bitten. DNA testing is underway as authorities attempt to trace the source of the latest infestation. Potentially deadly fire ants have been discovered in yet another new housing development in Queensland.
Beehive movement relaxed as Biosecurity Queensland eases varroa mite rules

4 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Jennifer Nichols

Stopping thousands of bees from starving during drought will become easier for commercial beekeepers after authorities relaxed rules prohibiting live bees from crossing into Queensland from New South Wales. Queensland's borders closed to travelling beekeepers when the world's worst bee parasite, Varroa destructor mite, was detected in Newcastle in June 2022. In dry times Australia's 1,800 commercial apiarists traditionally drive hives hundreds of kilometres to chase flowering plants.
Peter Andrews was dismissed as 'a lunatic' now his son's family farm is proof of his vision

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Jennifer Nichols

A chorus of frogs on his chemical-free farm is music to Stuart Andrews' ears. "That sound, that's the sound of a healthy farm," Mr Andrews said. "The two things you lose out of a landscape first are the frogs and the bees." In July, UNESCO warned 90 per cent of the world's land surface could be degraded by 2050, threatening biodiversity and human life.
Wamuran Irrigation Scheme using Class A recycled water to produce fruit near Brisbane

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Jennifer Nichols

In short: The $120 million Wamuran Irrigation Scheme is using Class A recycled water to irrigate horticultural crops. It is rediverting treated water that used to be discharged into the Caboolture River. What's next: The UnityWater project is designed to help farmers through future periods of drought and reduce nutrient discharge into waterways.
Queensland government's $24 million boost for a biosecurity blitz on fire ants

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Jennifer Nichols

Queensland's LNP government has announced an extra $24 million over two years for fire ant treatment. The invasive species has spread through close to a million hectares of south-east Queensland. The extra money will be used to provide drone and helicopter drops of treatment in the inner suppression zone.
Self-treatment model criticised as fire ant attacks 'explode' in Queensland's suppression zone

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Jennifer Nichols

Residents in the fire ant suppression zone are pleading for more support as numbers of nests and bites "explode" after Cyclone Alfred. In the Queensland government's so-called inner suppression zone, landholders are responsible for controlling the pests themselves. Biosecurity Queensland advises anyone who spots fire ants to report them within 24 hours online or call 13 22 68.
Farmers fight floods, snakes, spiders to save cattle and crops from damage

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Jennifer Nichols |Brandon Long

Nick Colquhoun fought off a snake and spiders as he worked to free a prized bull caught in fencing in Woodford's post-cyclone flooding. The clean-up has only just started in Lockyer Valley. Queensland's Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett encouraged farmers to complete a Disaster Impact Survey. Nick Colquhoun was acting on adrenaline when he plunged in with wire cutters to free a prized stud Droughtmaster bull drowning before his eyes.
Environmental impacts of Cyclone Alfred revealed

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Kimberley Price |Oliver Gordon |Lottie Twyford |Jennifer Nichols

Seabirds have been found 100 kilometres inland after being carried off-course by Cyclone Alfred. Australia Zoo and local wildlife carers have been inundated with a variety of animals needing care. Meanwhile, farmers are counting the cost of lost crops, as Gold Coast Council begin beach rejuvenation.
Multiple people rescued from cars after flash flooding hits Sunshine Coast

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Josh Dye |Jennifer Nichols

Multiple people have been rescued from their cars after flash flooding hit the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Flood warnings have been issued and several roads are closed after a massive overnight downpour. The weather bureau has issued a minor flood warning for the Maroochy, Mooloolah and Noosa rivers. An emergency watch and act alert has been issued for the Sunshine Coast after intense overnight rainfall caused flash flooding.
Rain to intensify in central Queensland as ADF arrives to help rebuild destroyed bridge

Feb 5, 2025 | abc.net.au | Jennifer Nichols

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to visit Townsville today as defence force helicopters continue to fly in essentials to north Queensland's worst-affected, isolated towns, including Ingham and Halifax. While downpours in Far North Queensland have eased, the Bureau of Meteorology is warning rain will intensify in other areas of the already water-logged state, particularly through central and north-western Queensland.