Protesters gathered in Ipswich CBD on Saturday to demand the federal government ban live export of cattle to Indonesia, with chants of “We want live exports banned” and “Shame on Gillard”. Local stud owners and meatworkers joined the protest to oppose live exports – although meatworkers’ concerns seemed more with employment opportunities than animal welfare. […]

Thousands of people today rallied in Brisbane to support the federal government’s proposed carbon tax ‘Say YES’ organisers believe that up to 5000 people attended the rally at the Brisbane Riverstage. Waving placards, people called for action on climate change and supported a price on carbon. Among the audience was federal treasurer Wayne Swan and […]

North Queensland independent federal MP Bob Katter today launched a new party – as well as a broadside against the powerful supermarket duopoly in Australia. Mr Katter said he wanted laws that no one company can control more than 22 percent of Australia’s grocery market – compared with the 85 percent he says is controlled […]

School children are getting healthier and roads less congested, transport chairman Julian Simmonds told Tuesday’s Brisbane City Council meeting. Cr Simmonds said the council’s Active School Transport program had resulted in a 35 percent increase in the number of students walking or cycling to school. “So that’s a 35 percent decrease in the number of […]

Brisbane’s lord mayor has defended expenditure of almost $4000 for renewal of his chains of office. Responding to Opposition claims at yesterday’s Council meeting that thousands of dollars had been spent cleaning the chains – worn by lord mayors at official ceremonies – Cr Graham Quirk said most of the cost was for making and […]

Cannon Hill residents are concerned about a proposed unit development in a quaint residential pocket to the south of Wynnum Road. Resident Brett Bennett told this week’s Brisbane City Council meeting he had a petition of 200 signatures from the wider community opposing the development. The Cannon Hill Action Group’s survey found 89 percent of […]

Brisbane City Council has announced the delivery of its 400th bus in a scheme to bring 500 new buses to the Brisbane public transport system. “The ‘can do’ team reached a very important milestone with regards to our commitment of 500 buses this council term by taking delivery of our 400th bus,” public transport chairman […]

About 3000 building workers held a good-natured but noisy rally in Brisbane today claiming underpayment for government projects. After marching through the city, building workers filled the huge leafy garden terraces at the executive building in George Street where they were addressed by union officials who called through loud speakers for “a peaceful and loud […]

A construction worker who claimed his boss hadn’t paid any money into his superannuation account for two years feared his family would be left destitute if he died. Sunny Manual, who now works as a project manager, said he found out early this year a previous employer hadn’t paid his super since 2009. “If I’d […]

The countdown to State of Origin began today with the premiers from Queensland and New South Wales raising their states’ colours. Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said the flag raising was a new part to a traditional bet between the premiers, where at the end of the series the losing state must fly the opponent’s flag […]

The Brisbane City Council is facing criticism over the CityCycle Scheme, an initiative that encourages people to hire bikes to help with city congestion, environment and personal health. More than 1000 bicycles have been placed all around the city of Brisbane since the scheme’s launch nearly eight months ago and about 180 are hired out […]

The Gillard Government’s first budget drew praise and criticism from Brisbane people after its unveiling this week. People interviewed by Newsbytes praised increased expenditure on mental health, while criticising the free desktop box policy for pensioners. Comments on the budget included “tough on the right things”, “not for the people”, “bland”, “could do more for […]

Hand-outs of food, linen and toiletries are needed not only by the homeless, but by many other Brisbane people facing difficulties, including those suffering marriage breakdowns or job loss. Brisbane City Council’s Geraldine Knapp said Homeless Connect was helping provide these people help where it’s needed including food and warm clothes to help rebuild their […]

Information was released today on how floods affected 60,000 homes across Brisbane. Sources of flooding, predicted flood levels, habitable floor levels and whether homes are located in a flood zone have been provided to the public. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the report was written in a way that would improve customer comprehension and understanding. […]

The speed limit on Main Road in Wavell Heights will remain at 60 kilometres per hour despite local residents petitioning for slower speeds. The decision was made in Brisbane City Council yesterday, with Transport chair Cr de Wit saying she saw no need for traffic calming measures. “It will put pressure on surrounding roads,” Cr […]