Owen Jacques

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Owen Jacques

Deep in Queensland's blue-blooded heartland, six female independent candidates are aiming to dismantle decades of LNP supremacy. Each of the so-called "teals" is backed by political funding firm Climate 200 and had been busy making noise in their electorate even before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese set the May 3 election date. Among the line-up is former Sunshine Coast councillor Keryn Jones for Fisher, and fellow Coast traveller and small business owner Francine Wiig.

3 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Hannah Walsh |Owen Jacques

25 Queenslanders flown to higher ground as floodwaters threaten to engulf outback town in unfolding flood disasterAuthorities say more towns are facing evacuation as "unprecedented' flooding threatens one-third of stateForecasters say the rain is easing, but the flood risk remains as water flows down catchments. Dozens of outback Queenslanders are being flown to safety as their town is menaced by floodwaters now threatening a third of the state.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Owen Jacques

One of Australia's biggest councils has backed a major restructure of its organisation to cut costs, including an immediate freeze on hiring — other than a new executive role. Sunshine Coast councillors unanimously backed the plan, proposed by the chief executive officer, which includes creating a new chief financial officer (CFO) position. Although the salary range has not been released, other public service chief financial officers earn more than $200,000 a year.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Owen Jacques |Peter Gunders

North Queensland continues to face a flood emergency, with some parts struck by close to 2 metres of rain since the disaster began on the weekend. Over the past 24 hours, more than half-a-metre of rain has again fallen in some areas, with Cardwell Gap hit by 655 millimetres and Paluma struck by 560mm. Since Friday afternoon, Paluma has recorded 1936mm, Cardwell Gap has had 1808mm, Ingham has had 1362 and Townsville has had close to 900mm.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Owen Jacques

A small but critical Bruce Highway bridge north of Townsville has collapsed, cutting an important supply route to regions hit hard by flooding rains. One regional mayor says his town will now have to rely on air support for supplies as the rainfall continues. Residents and politicians say north Queensland's flood recovery will be hampered while the bridge is impassable.