Never short of a soundbite, the MP has gone from country kid to Bjelke-Petersen-era Queensland, to federal parliament.
Man who disappeared after entering river found after search and rescue operation near Mount Isa
A man who was last seen entering the Leichhardt River after severe storms on Thursday night has been found about 20 kilometres north of Mount Isa, after emergency services launched a search and rescue operation.
Photo shows police and emergency services launch a drone on the bank of a riverIn the outback, running a pub means more than pouring beers
When tree-changers Frank and Debbie Wust bought the pub that starred in Crocodile Dundee just over a decade ago, they had no idea it also meant helping to run an outback community.
Photo shows A couple playing pool in a dimly lit outback pub, with signs from the film Crocodile Dundee visible in the background.Trainee GP numbers will increase by 20 per cent next year and rural communities are begging them to stay
A spike in doctors training in general practice will end a seven-year decline, but rural communities fear it won't stem a chronic healthcare shortage.
Photo shows A man wearing glasses and a blue shirt standing in front of a GP clinic.Perseverance, stamina and a moment of irritation create $40m investment
John Russell had a vision to mechanise a dangerous and expensive job that costs mines up to $500,000 an hour, and now the federal government will invest in the company he founded thanks to the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation.
Photo shows A man is wearing high vis, grinning and leaning on some large machinery with the company name written in bold'Unfair' $42,000 payment to voted-out MPs should be doubled, says former speaker
MPs who lose their seat are eligible for a payout worth 12 weeks of their salary but an association representing former members says it should be more.
Photo shows Queensland Parliament House, 2022.You keep reading about voluntary administration, but do you know what it means?
Do you know what happens when a business enters voluntary administration? We asked an expert to explain in simple terms.
Topic:Explainer
Photo shows A collage of headlines about businesses entering voluntary administrationConsidered delicious fare overseas, this pest fish can't be eaten in Queensland if you catch it
Tilapia is a biosecurity nightmare in Australia but popular on many menus overseas. Some in the fishing industry think if you catch the pest fish in Queensland you should be able to eat it.
Photo shows TilapiaSports club scraps soft drink for research into childhood type 2 diabetes prevention
The Garbutt Magpies in Townsville has switched to serving only water alongside healthy food at its Friday night activities for local children, measuring the effects for a type 2 diabetes prevention study.
Photo shows Two aboriginal girls, aged about 10, in front of a pool at night. One is pouring water on her headTwo teenage girls were murdered while hitchhiking on Queensland's 'highway of death'. Some believe their killer can still be found
David Cunningham's sister was murdered while hitchhiking in Queensland. Over 50 years on, he wants a commission of inquiry into the case.
Photo shows Graphic featuring photos of murdered teens Anita Cunningham and Robin Hoinville-Bartram.Woman who raised alarm over missing prospectors says she's mystified how the experienced, 'pedantic' geologists died
A caravan park owner called police when two geologists, who regularly stayed at her park, didn't return from a day out prospecting. She's described them as friendly, conscientious and dedicated to their work.
Photo shows Start of a remote town.Australia’s oldest jockey gears up for final sprint before retirement
A stalwart on the outback racing scene, Keith Ballard is preparing for his final ride before hanging up the saddle.
Has Video Duration: 1 minute 49 seconds.One of the world's oldest jockeys is hanging up the reins after 55 years in the saddle
After nearly 10,000 races, industry legend Keith Ballard says it's time to get out while he’s still in one piece. He'll be farewelled at his home racetrack in Mount Isa this weekend.
Photo shows A man in red and blue jockey silks stands waiting on the green for a horseThis is what it takes to get through a wet season in northern Australia.
How many fridges and freezers do you own? When the monsoon season leaves you isolated for months on end, you have to be prepared.
Photo shows A car boot full of groceriesHas Video Duration: 1 minute 20 seconds.Sweltering heat sets spring record in outback Queensland town
Mount Isa records 11 consecutive days over 40 degrees Celsius as the Bureau of Meteorology warns there is more hot weather to come.
Photo shows A hand is holding a temp gun on a hot tin roof - it reads 60.9 degrees CelsiusOutback residents face $1,250 return flights to nearest capital as competition dwindles
As major airlines face a Senate inquiry and airfare rise across Australia, outback residents are paying the price of an international ticket to travel to their nearest capital city.
Photo shows A Qantas plane at a runaway with baggage handlers and workers in high-viz, blue sky. Longreach Airport sign.'Frightening lightning' storms, fire, and heat batter Queensland
A fire started by "frightening lightning" has burned $30,000 worth of cattle feed as parts of Queensland continue to swelter through extreme heat, fires, and storms.
Photo shows Over 300 barley straw bales on fire at night.Thanks to the selfless act of a stranger, Stacey is back on the land where her heart lies
Stacey Chapman was born with a heart condition that should have prevented her from living her life to the fullest — and it almost did.
Photo shows A woman wearing a cow girl hat stands near the horse yardsThe sky-high plan for massive airships to deliver cargo across the outback
An aeronautical group wants to deploy cargo airships to outback Queensland, but is it doable and safe? Transport experts weigh in.
Topic:Explainer
Photo shows a close up of a large white blimp flying over forestResidents learn to sew portable beds amid struggle with overcrowding on remote island
A group of women on Mornington Island have been learning to make high-quality swags for people in need of beds in their small, isolated community.
Topic:Solutions
Photo shows Three people stand on some rocks on the edge of the sea.Abandoned outback mines sit lifeless, but renewable energy is reviving them. Here's how
They can be an eyesore, but end-of-life mines in the outback prove to be an attractive prospect in an unlikely relationship. So how are renewable energy companies repurposing mine shafts to help decarbonise the region?
Photo shows An aerial view of Mount Isa Mines