Emerging industries in Winton: The town of Winton is set to become the backdrop for students to explore emerging technologies as part of an outback film-making program. Griffith University and Winton Shire Council recently announced an expansion to their partnership that will now have film students visit Winton twice a year. Griffith Film School director Chris Carter says the program will also grow to include game development and interactive works.
Image credit: ABC Western Qld/Ellie Grounds
Heavy rain, towns isolated: A low pressure system has brought further heavy rain across parts of western Queensland. Properties around Alpha, Aramac and Jericho have recorded falls up to 300mm over the weekend. Significant rain was also recorded on properties around Muttaburra, Winton, Richmond and Hughenden. Meanwhile, Bedourie and Birdsville remain isolated as floodwaters move through the Georgina and Diamantina river systems.
Raising homes in Jundah: Homeowners in Jundah can apply for funding to have their homes raised, if they were uninsured during flooding through the town last year. Barcoo Shire Mayor Sally O'Neil says up to $80,000 can be accessed as part of a structural assistance grant from the state government. She says council are pushing for funding eligibility to also include households that were insured.
Quilpie council delegation to state parliament: The Quilpie Shire Council has held a series of meetings in Brisbane to advocate for funding ahead of the state budgets later this year. It was the first time the small outback council sent a full delegation for meetings with both government and shadow ministers, pushing for additional funding across rural infrastructure and services. Mayor Ben Hall says the meetings were constructive, with MPs hearing directly from local stakeholders.
Calls for compensation for trucking industry: The state's trucking industry is calling for flood relief payments to be opened to freight companies, following extended road closures in western Queensland. The Department for Transport and Main Roads says the Landsborough Highway north of Winton has been closed eight times this year for a combined 24 days. Queensland Trucking Association chief executive Gary Mahon says closures are expensive for freight providers and have an impact on employees. A Queensland Reconstruction Authority spokesperson says disaster assistance is targeted at those hardest hit by severe weather and affected residents can apply for the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Allowance.
Mental health staff shortages: The Royal Flying Doctor Service says wait times to see mental health clinicians in the central west are stretching back months due to short-staffing. Two mental health clinicians in the Longreach area have recently left their roles, which also heavily impacts care in Barcaldine. RFDS Mental Health state manager Tim Driscoll says demand for services has also been increasing.
