The Latest Breaking News from ABC Western Qld

Lack of disability housing in outback Queensland prompts fears more families will move away

The Ballards love their life in outback Queensland – it has been their home for more than 60 years. But a lack of disability housing may force the family to move hundreds of kilometres away.

ABC News · Jul 18, 2022

Outback Queensland pigeon racer Matty Starkoff set to take on the best in the world in Thailand

More than $2.6 million is up for grabs at one of the most prestigious pigeon races in the world, and father-of-five Matty Starkoff, from outback Queensland, is ready to take on the best.

ABC News · Jul 17, 2022

Birdsville Big Red Bash features 'spontaneous' outback wedding

Jimmy Barnes and Kasey Chambers were meant to be the highlights of this year's Big Red Bash but a loved-up couple from Victoria may have stolen the spotlight.

ABC News · Jul 6, 2022

Huge rainfall in outback Queensland brings hope of an end to long drought

The drought in outback Queensland has been long and punishing, forcing many to flee their livelihoods. But recent rain has left locals wondering if the decade-long big dry has finally come to an end.

ABC News · Jun 5, 2022

Council launches legal action over $4m geothermal plant that's never delivered power

It was touted as the beginning of a renewable energy boom in outback Queensland, but two years after the construction of a "game changing" geothermal power plant in Winton, the project has failed.

ABC News · May 29, 2022

Cunnamulla's first ever Mardi Gras ball celebrates outback town's LGBTQIA+ community

It's better known for its Akubras than its ball gowns, but in this outback Queensland town locals are donning glitter and frocks for a night to celebrate their LGBTQIA+ community and raise awareness of domestic violence.

ABC News · May 29, 2022

Royal Flying Doctor Service needs outback pilots for 'best job in the world'

Burning loo rolls and life-saving missions can be all in a night's work for an essential service that is struggling to attract applicants as the travel industry and big airlines recruit more pilots.

ABC News · May 23, 2022

Augathella invites China's ambassador to see effects of trade ban on timber imports

The tiny town of Augathella in Queensland may be a world away from Beijing, but it has become collateral damage in China's ongoing trade dispute with Australia.

ABC News · May 16, 2022

Shitbox Rally raises smiles and rainbows for a good cause, despite downpour

In cars that often look like they can't make it to the local shops, let alone crossing thousands of kilometres, these rallies bring people together to raise funds for cancer research.

ABC News · May 14, 2022

Western Queensland weather brings off-season rain as graziers relish drenching

Western Queensland graziers are quietly hopeful that a second downpour in just over two weeks will bring them a step closer to the end of a crippling drought.

ABC News · May 10, 2022