The International Space Centre at The University of Western Australia has launched a nationwide campaign calling for government support for a landmark Australian human spaceflight mission. The campaign, which unites universities, industry associations, chief scientists, STEM organisations, and prominent political figures, marks a rare display of cross-sector agreement on the strategic necessity of advancing Australia’s role in space. In a show of national support, the coalition submitted nearly 80 letters to the Prime Minister and senior Cabinet members last month. The correspondence signals Australia’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), with ambitions that include sending an Australian astronaut into space. Professor Danail Obreschkow, Director of the International Space Centre, described the initiative as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to forge a mutually beneficial partnership with the ESA. He emphasized that the mission would extend far beyond the symbolic act of sending an astronaut, asserting it would deliver economic benefits and inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields. “The window for Australia to secure a human spaceflight mission that delivers all of these continuing benefits to our economy is extraordinarily narrow,” Professor Obreschkow said, noting that ESA member states are finalizing mission allocations and contracts in the coming months. Advocates argue that participation in human spaceflight is a proven catalyst for industry growth, research partnerships, and STEM engagement. Despite being one of the world’s most space-dependent nations, Australia is still in the early stages of developing its own sovereign space capabilities. Satellite services are already critical to key sectors such as banking, agriculture, logistics, telecommunications, disaster management, and national security. Professor Obreschkow stressed that the proposal is about more than individual achievement. “It is about anchoring Australia to the global space economy. Nations that participate in human spaceflight sit at the table where future space rules, supply chains, and collaborations are shaped.” The proposed mission is envisioned as a strategic investment, designed to deliver economic returns through international contracts, advanced manufacturing, research access, and expanded market integration—especially with Europe. “For a relatively modest contribution in federal terms, Australia gains credibility, capability, and commercial leverage in a global industry now valued at nearly a trillion dollars,” Obreschkow added. Dr Megan Clark AC, former Head of the Australian Space Agency and CSIRO Chief Executive, is among those backing the campaign. “Imagine Australians across the country counting down and holding their breath for lift off, wishing a fellow Australian a productive journey and safe return to Earth,” Dr Clark said. “Imagine a generation of school children watching an Aussie performing their experiments in space. Human space flight demands Australians master the hardest things in front of the world.” Advocates for the mission argue that, in addition to positioning Australia as a global space player, the investment would spur the local economy, create high-value jobs, and ensure that Australia’s everyday life—from GPS navigation to secure financial transactions—remains supported by robust space infrastructure.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has warned inflation rose more sharply than expected in late 2025, prompting revised forecasts and raising the likelihood that interest rates may remain higher for longer. In a speech delivered in Sydney on Tuesday, the central bank’s Head of Economic Analysis Michael Plumb said inflation accelerated unexpectedly in the second half of last year, driven by stronger demand, housing and retail pricing changes, and persistent capacity constraints across the economy. Headline inflation reached 3.6 per cent over the year to the December quarter, while underlying inflation climbed to 3.4 per cent—both above the central bank’s 2–3 per cent target range. Strong demand fuels price pressures The central bank attributed the inflation rebound partly to sector-specific price increases, including travel, fuel, housing and retail, though many of these pressures are expected to ease in coming months. However, broader economic conditions also contributed. Stronger-than-expected consumer spending, business investment and exports helped push demand beyond the economy’s supply capacity, intensifying inflationary pressures. Mr Plumb said improved household incomes, resilient global economic conditions and increased investment in sectors such as data centres and energy supported growth. “Demand picked up by more than we thought,” he said, noting domestic financial conditions may have been less restrictive than previously assessed. Interest rate outlook shifts higher In response, the central bank has revised its forecasts, assuming a higher path for interest rates to contain inflation and bring demand back into balance. The bank expects inflation to peak in mid-2026 before gradually declining, reaching around the midpoint of its target range by mid-2028 as economic growth slows and capacity pressures ease. The outlook reflects the bank’s expectation that tighter financial conditions and slowing growth will help reduce price pressures over time. Capacity constraints remain a concern The central bank also warned that supply capacity in the economy may be lower than previously estimated, particularly due to labour shortages and elevated business costs. Indicators such as business surveys and labour costs suggest capacity constraints intensified alongside rising inflation, raising uncertainty about how quickly price growth will moderate. Despite the expectation inflation will ease, the bank acknowledged ongoing risks, including global economic uncertainty and the possibility inflationary pressures may persist longer than forecast. Central bank monitoring closely The Reserve Bank said it will continue closely monitoring economic data, including Australia’s new monthly inflation measure, to refine its forecasts and policy response. While inflation is projected to decline over time, Tuesday’s speech signals policymakers remain cautious, reinforcing expectations that interest rates will play a critical role in restoring price stability.

A photo has surfaced showing a provisional licence rider allegedly travelling more than 60km/h above the speed limit on Old Cleveland Road, Brisbane. This incident unfolded while Capalaba Highway officers were conducting proactive patrols. During their operation, they detected a Yamaha motorcycle allegedly unlawfully edge filtering and speeding on Old Cleveland Road. Police allege the rider reached speeds of up to 144km/h in the 80km/h zone. Upon intercepting the rider, officers also found the motorcycle’s rear tyre was allegedly unroadworthy. The rider was hit with $2,585 in fines and 12 demerit points for allegedly driving a defective vehicle, exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/h, and unlawful lane filtering. His licence will be disqualified for six months. Capalaba Highway Patrol Officer in Charge, Senior Sergeant Stephen Lees, said speeding puts all road users at risk. “We want to see a decrease in crashes and fatalities on our local roads, but this requires a community commitment to making safe decisions behind the wheel,” Senior Sergeant Lees said. Queensland roads have seen 36 lives lost as of 19 February, according to QLD Police.

Ipswich has marked a major milestone in sustainability, with residents helping to divert almost 10,000 tonnes of green waste from landfill in just six months through the city’s green-lidded garden organics (GO) bin program. Since mid-2025, more than 56,000 GO bins have been distributed to households across Ipswich. Today, about 90,000 households are participating in the initiative, converting garden waste such as grass clippings, leaves, and hedge trimmings into valuable compost instead of sending it to landfill. Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the three-bin system was introduced to help reduce the impact of the Queensland Government’s waste levy. The rollout was made possible by a $5.9 million grant from the State Government. “Whether it’s grass clippings, fallen leaves or hedge trimmings, Ipswich residents have been using their GO bins – and using them correctly,” Mayor Harding said. Contamination rates have been kept to under 1% during the program’s first six months. Ipswich Waste Services trucks have collected 9,872 tonnes of GO material from more than 530,000 bin loads, which has been processed into compost products used for food production, gardens, and landscaping. “This initiative has helped avoid carbon emissions equivalent to those generated by 2,000 cars in one year,” Mayor Harding said. “It’s been an overwhelmingly positive start to the three-bin system for our city as we respond to the Queensland Government’s levy on councils, which is set to rise in coming years.” Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson, Councillor Jim Madden, credited the program’s success to strong community engagement and education efforts by council. “The low contamination rates indicate the community is on board with council in our waste reduction journey,” Cr Madden said. The adoption of the three-bin system is estimated to save each household around $10, compared to the costs under the previous two-bin system as the State Government’s waste levy continues to climb. Participation in the GO bin program continues to increase, with 60% of bins presented for collection in December, up from 48% in November.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Multicultural Advisory Group (MAG) has announced two new volunteer Mentee positions, inviting applications from people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The initiative aims to empower emerging leaders to share their voices and contribute actively to the region’s community life. Selected mentees will participate in bi-monthly MAG meetings, offering their lived experiences of settlement and inclusion, while also receiving mentorship from experienced MAG members and support from the Council’s Community Development team. Help create a welcoming environment These insights are expected to provide a clearer understanding of the challenges, needs, and opportunities faced by newcomers to the Sunshine Coast. Mentees will also have the opportunity to help organise the 2026 Welcoming Week Picnic, co-designing cultural activities and engaging with new and emerging communities. Councillor Taylor Bunnag, who holds the Strong Community Portfolio, described the new mentee roles as a supported pathway for emerging multicultural leaders to become more involved in community life. “The Sunshine Coast is a vibrant and welcoming place, and these roles are another way to strengthen the voices of our multicultural communities,” Cr Bunnag said. “We want new arrivals to feel supported, heard, and to see that there are genuine opportunities to participate in local leadership,” Cr Bunnag added. “Their lived experience is incredibly valuable and can help shape more inclusive services across the region.” Fresh perspectives needed Founding MAG member Peppi Bueti emphasised that bringing mentees into the group would offer fresh perspectives to its work. “MAG has always focused on listening to community voices and creating spaces where people feel safe and represented,” Mr Bueti said. “Having mentees join us means we can learn directly from people who have recently arrived and better understand the level of support needed to help them settle and thrive,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for emerging leaders to build skills while contributing to meaningful community work.” MAG member Silvia Castillo highlighted how the mentee experience could help new arrivals forge strong connections within the local community. “When I first joined MAG, I learned so much about how community groups influence local decisions,” Ms Castillo said. “Through MAG, I’ve seen how creating strong links between Council and multicultural communities helps us feel heard, welcomed and empowered to actively participate in the place we now call home.” Building stronger connections “These mentee roles offer that same experience by building confidence, forming connections, and creating space for participants to share their stories in a supportive environment,” she said. “It’s a wonderful way for newcomers to feel part of the Sunshine Coast community.” Expressions of interest are encouraged from people who have lived on the Sunshine Coast for less than a year, identify as part of a multicultural community, are interested in leadership and inclusion, and can attend MAG meetings. No previous advisory experience is required. Applicants are asked to provide a brief overview of their background, community connections, interest in the role, and what they hope to gain from the experience. The Expression of Interest form is available on the Sunshine Coast Council website. Applications close on 23 March 2026.

Redland City Council has formally outlined its key priorities and policy positions for the Queensland Government to consider during the ongoing review of the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2023, known as ShapingSEQ 2023. Once completed, ShapingSEQ will become the statutory regional planning document for south-east Queensland, requiring Council’s City Plan to align with its provisions. The Council is advocating for the regional plan review to cover all 17 State interests, not just the five currently proposed—housing supply, agriculture, development and construction, mining and extractive resources, and tourism. Cr Rowanne McKenzie, Planning and Regulation portfolio representative, emphasized at this week’s General Meeting that a comprehensive review is needed. “A full review would ensure that the pursuit of housing delivery and economic growth considers other State interests that are important to the Redlands Coast community, such as environmental protection, infrastructure coordination and hazard resilience,” she said. Cr McKenzie warned that limiting the review could exclude critical issues fundamental to achieving sustainable, safe, and fiscally responsible growth across the region. She stressed the importance of maintaining the current urban footprint, wherever possible, to protect regional landscapes and rural production areas, and to deliver a more compact urban form. The Council will reaffirm its position that Redland City has sufficient capacity for new dwellings within its existing boundaries, making an expansion of the urban footprint or the identification of new growth areas unnecessary. However, Cr McKenzie noted the need for further investigation into land supply for industrial and employment purposes, suggesting any shortfall should be addressed within the current urban footprint, including areas like the Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area (PDA). Infrastructure planning and delivery also form a significant part of Council’s submission. “Infrastructure must keep pace with development,” Cr McKenzie stated. “It is not possible to accommodate the future growth envisioned in ShapingSEQ 2023 without a commitment from the Queensland Government to upgrade the requisite infrastructure networks.” Other issues in Council’s submission include koala protection, community engagement, population projections, and considerations for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and North Stradbroke Island, as well as a review of the Planning Scheme. The review process will also see a Council planning officer seconded part-time to the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, to provide strategic input into key policy decisions. Community feedback on the revised plan will be sought before the final document is released.

The property developer proposing a Trump Tower on the Gold Coast is a businessman who has twice declared bankruptcy, according to ABC reports revealed today. The Trump International Hotel and Tower are described on the developer’s website as the “next ultra-luxury address” and promises an “exceptional residential and globally renowned hospitality and service experience unlike anything seen in Australia.” In 1991, in Cairns, according to ABC, documents reveal that David Young was declared bankrupt—along with at least one other person—by the brewing company Castlemaine Perkins. According to a self-authored article on Altus’s website, Mr Young worked in pubs and nightclubs before moving into property development. That bankruptcy was also formally discharged. In 2010, as his property company faced difficulties, he filed for bankruptcy in Surfers Paradise while working as a management consultant. Records show he was discharged after the standard three-year period. This week, Altus Property Group announced collaboration with The Trump Organization to launch Trump International Hotel & Tower Gold Coast. On LinkedIn, Mr Young said that “Trump hotels and resorts are the best, and that’s what I wanted to build.” “I’m a fairly confident and direct person, so I went on the hunt for a phone number of someone in the Trump world. Given that they are a family business, I sensed that they would assess me very quickly and either dismiss me or start talking,” he posted. “This was years before Donald Trump became President. My project has nothing to do with politics. It should only illicit emotional responses because of the quality of the product and the beauty of the building.”

By Juliano Oliveira The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has vowed to examine the nature and prevalence of antisemitism following the attack at Bondi Beach and deliver its final report by the first anniversary of the massacre. In its first hearing held today in Sydney, Commissioner Virginia Bell highlighted that the hearing of the alleged gunman, Naveed Akram, must be done by the Commission “without risking any prejudice.” “This Commission must do its work without risking any prejudice to that criminal proceeding, leading evidence that this commission from people who may be witnesses in the criminal proceeding would create that risk, and for that reason, it will not occur.” Commissioner Bell said that she had extended an invitation to the families of the deceased and to others directly affected by the attack to meet with her later this week in less formal surroundings. One of the Commission’s responsibilities will be to review how Commonwealth, State, and Territory agencies communicated and shared information with each other and with the Hanukkah event organisers. The Commission will also assess the security measures for the event and evaluate whether intelligence and law enforcement agencies operated at their highest capacity. The Commission will deliver an interim report by April 30, 2026, prioritising urgent actions to address immediate concerns. Throughout the process, it will focus on identifying and implementing measures to counter antisemitism, strengthen law enforcement response, and support social cohesion. The Commission will apply the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism and accept public submissions until May. The final report is due on the first anniversary of the massacre.

Key milestones have been reached for the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail (LGC) project and the Loganlea Station Relocation, with construction currently underway in Logan and surrounding areas. Work at the new Loganlea station has begun on the platform and pedestrian footbridge, with the first section of the footbridge installed over the weekend. The project is expected to enhance connections to local destinations, including Logan Hospital, TAFE Queensland’s Loganlea Campus, and Loganlea State High School. Major on-site works also include the construction of two new platforms, a station building, park-and-ride facilities, and local road upgrades. The new Loganlea station is scheduled to open in 2027, with the existing station remaining operational in the meantime. Meanwhile, updated designs for the Edens Landing station precinct have been released online as part of the LGC project, with community engagement sessions planned throughout March. The proposed upgrades aim to improve accessibility, safety, and customer experience. The redesign includes repositioning the station to align with Eddy Avenue, adding walking and cycling connections to local parks, upgrading park-and-ride and kiss-and-ride facilities, installing new bus stops, and building an active transport bridge linking Houdini Terrace to Holmview Road. The LGC project will also double the tracks along a 20-kilometre corridor between Kuraby and Beenleigh, which is expected to increase rail capacity, improve service reliability, and reduce travel times between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Updated designs for the Holmview and Beenleigh station precincts are currently being refined and will be shared with the community in the coming months. Jane Brander, Acting Deputy Director-General for Rail at the Department of Transport and Main Roads, said the projects were making tangible progress. “Loganlea station is an important transport hub that helps the surrounding community connect to South East Queensland,” she said. “The release of the updated designs for Edens Landing station precinct is a key milestone for the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project, which will deliver a critical upgrade to the rail network and improve traffic flow by removing five level crossings.” Community members are encouraged to review the designs and provide feedback during the upcoming engagement sessions.

Queensland Police Service are appealing for public assistance to identify a man who may be able to assist with investigations into an alleged assault at a supermarket in Acacia Ridge last year. Police allege that at approximately 7.15pm on 26 August 2025, an unknown man entered a supermarket on Beaudesert Road and became involved in a verbal disagreement with a 21-year-old female employee. During the altercation, the man allegedly punched the employee in the face before fleeing the scene on foot. The woman sustained minor facial injuries and received medical treatment. Investigators have released a description of a man they believe may be able to assist with enquiries. He is described as Caucasian with tanned skin, shoulder-length dark curly hair, and a solid build, and is believed to be aged in his 40s or 50s. He was last seen wearing a red and black cap, prescription glasses with a dark frame, a beige long-sleeved button-up shirt, dark long pants, and black thongs. Police are urging anyone who recognises the man or has information that may assist investigations to come forward. Information can be provided to Policelink online or by calling 131 444. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers Queensland by calling 1800 333 000 or submitting information online. Investigations remain ongoing. Police have asked members of the public to quote reference number QP2501514383 when providing information.