Severe weather & heat: It's been a big week of storms for the region, with severe thunderstorms cutting power to many central Queensland residents as heavy winds caused damage to powerlines. Rockhampton SES says it had volunteers working around the clock to help clear up fallen branches and debris, but thankfully the damage to homes wasn't severe. A power outage at its local water treatment plant forced residents in Blackwater and Bluff to conserve water.
Fatal crash on the Burnett: A 75-year-old woman died and eight people were injured in a multi-vehicle crash on the Burnett Highway at Bouldercombe on Thursday. Forensic crash investigators are working to determine the cause and anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact police.
Gladstone weather radar woes: The Bureau of Meteorology was working this week to restore the offline Gladstone weather radar, after severe weather caused electrical faults.The Bureau says the radar and the Automatic Weather Station experienced several power outages due to fallen power lines. Although power was restored the radar service could not be brought back online right away due to electrical faults, but all is now up and working.
Visitor numbers down: Accommodation providers on the Capricorn Coast have noticed a slow start to 2025, with tourism numbers lower than usual. While some businesses were booked out over the festive period, operators are reporting guests aren't staying as long. Emu Park real estate agent Tanya Edwards says they had full occupancy at their holiday properties over Christmas, but are operating at 41 per cent occupancy for the rest of the school holidays.
Train & vehicle collide: Emergency crews were called to the Rockhampton intersection of Cambridge and Denison Streets this week after a collision between a vehicle and a train. An elderly woman suffered minor injuries in the crash and declined transport to hospital. A spokesperson for Queensland Rail said the incident disrupted service for a short time.
Fake cash: Rockhampton police have issued a warning for the public to be aware of fake $100 notes circulating in the city. Police have received six reports from business owners across Rockhampton in the last month. The counterfeit money is described as a poor quality, with no clear window and states 'copy' under the $100 writing. Anyone who was handed a counterfeit note was advised to store it in an envelope and report it to police.
Snake bite warning: The Queensland Ambulance Service is urging people to take extra care, after treating more than 60 reported snake bites across the state this year. A man was transported to Toowoomba Hospital after being bitten on Tuesday night. The central Queensland region has had the highest number of recorded cases in the state for this year with 11. The service says anyone who suspects they have been bitten by a snake should call triple-0 immediately.
Boosting funds to combat youth crime: Premier David Crisafulli was in Rockhampton this week to confirm a $150,000 boost to a youth crime prevention hub. The funding for 'OurSpace' was announced as an election commitment last year, following concerns the service could be closed due to lack of funding. The premier says community safety and reducing crime rates are his priorities.
Capras gear up for new season: Central Queensland Capras recruit Ben Condon says he's looking forward to helping them win their first premiership. The experienced forward returns to Rockhampton after a stint in the NRL with the North Queensland Cowboys and Manly Sea Eagles. The Capras have made the Queensland Cup finals series for the past three years under coach Lionel Harbin and Condon says he can't wait.
