Scarecrow competition: Quirky scarecrows have popped up around Quilpie coinciding with its annual show. The decades-old tradition has entrants competing across several categories. Entries included a scarecrow emergency scene outside the hospital and a scarecrow harvesting a prized carrot.
Image supplied: Danielle Stevenson
Churchill fellow: An outback advocate for dark sky preservation and tourism will conduct research overseas as a Churchill Fellow. Naomi Miles — the head of Museum at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs — was central to the Winton region's achievement of two International Dark-Sky certifications. As part of her fellowship she will travel to eight countries gathering ideas on how dark skies can create sustainable tourism opportunities.
Childcare plans: The Barcaldine Regional Council says it's a step closer to securing a childcare arrangement for the small towns of Alpha and Aramac. Mayor Rob Chandler says there needs to be a minimum number of children enrolled to ensure economic viability. A joint funding arrangement between Council and the state government has been proposed to cover the gap the years enrolments are low. It was raised in a meeting between council, Queensland education minister John-Paul Langbroek and childcare provider Lady Gowrie. Cr Chandler says it could be a blueprint for the region. "I think council or communities come together and put a solution in front of the education ministers and those in charge of childcare and mould it into a model of care that works for us." A second meeting with the minister is hoped for the end of September.
Isisford housing: The Longreach Regional Council says Isisford is facing a major shortage of available homes and has raised its concerns directly with the Department of Housing. Mayor Tony Rayner says the more people in town who register for social housing the better chance of getting funding. A spokesperson from the Department of Housing and Public works said in a statement in addition to population growth, access to essential services and land availability is also considered for new social housing builds.
Carbon farming: A property in western Queensland will be used to help researchers gain a real world understanding of how well new farming methods reduce emissions. Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Centre is trialling strategies including genetic selection and pasture management at Champion Station in Blackall. Research director Ben Hayes says improved emissions detection technology will give the project in-depth data.
