Hot and thirsty train commuters are welcoming the arrival of water bubblers on Brisbane station platforms this week – but it could take up to four months before they can take a drink. Newsbytes reported last year on the quiet withdrawal of bubblers across the Queensland Rail network. Our story resulted in reversal of the […]

Livelihoods will be destroyed by the carbon tax according to Queensland Premier Campbell Newman, who yesterday labelled the tax a “job killer”. Mr Newman said in Parliament job losses in the “real economy” would impact on Queensland, not recent public service cuts. “What about the job losses in the real economy – the productive economy […]

A leading Queensland hairdresser and members of the public have expressed concern over hygiene risks of shared bike helmets, although a scientist says the danger of head lice is low. The hairdresser criticised Brisbane City Council for providing helmets as part of the city cycle scheme, claiming the helmets are a violation of the council’s […]

In a stark reminder of the lives lost on Australian roads each year, more than 1400 pairs of shoes lined Brisbane Square today for Fatality Free Friday. Superintendent Andy Morrow of the State Traffic Safety Branch told Newsbytes younger drivers were disproportionately represented in road toll figures. He said the most critical factor of fatal […]

A State Government minister and a rail lobby group have congratulated Newsbytes on publicising the issue of water fountains being withdrawn from Brisbane railway stations. Transport Minister Scott Emerson said Newsbytes should be credited for breaking the story, while Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said Newsbytes deserved congratulation for the “fantastic outcome”. A […]

Commuters in need of water are being forced to go thirsty following the removal of water fountains across the Queensland Rail network. Bubblers that were standard at stations are being quietly dismantled with no consultation with rail users. Thirsty travellers and an advocacy group have blasted the secret policy. Catherine Stokes (pictured left), a commuter […]

For every major Dawn Service around the country, there are hundreds of smaller, more modest services to commemorate Anzac Day in regional Australia. Our reporter found the simple service at Springbrook, west of the Gold Coast an uplifting experience. It’s around half past four on Anzac Day and it’s pitch black on the Springbrook plateau. […]

Big budget savings and a freeze on water rates were two of the promises made by Gold Coast candidates at ABC local radio’s mayoral debate this week. With only a week to go until local council elections, more than a hundred Gold Coast residents turned up to hear candidates address key local issues and outline […]

Queensland’s critically underfunded mental health sector will receive $51.5 million from the Federal Government as part of the new National Partnership Agreement. Under the agreement funding will be provided for a coordinated accommodation and support project which includes long-term social housing and support services. Queensland Alliance for Mental Health CEO Richard Nelson (pictured) said massive […]