Caitlin Crowley

A SUDDEN surge in water usage in some of Toowoomba region's fastest growing suburbs has highlighted vulnerabilities in the local water supply network and served as a cautionary tale for other Queensland local governments ahead of what's forecast to be a hotter and drier than average summer.

TOOWOOMBA Regional Council (TRC) has put its hand out for state government funding to help pay for mandatory safety upgrades to a local dam, despite being given more than 15 years to prepare for what will be the most expensive project in the council's history.

A NATIONAL food assurance summit geared at showcasing Australia’s high-quality food standards and influencing policy has attracted star power with high profile environment educators among those presenting.

SOUTH Burnett residents can expect one of the most interesting mayoral campaigns the region has ever seen with both a first-term councillor and a twenty-year political veteran vying to lead South Burnett Regional Council, ahead of Queensland's local government elections next year.

THE NEXT generation of agricultural leaders must be included in all levels of industry advocacy and decision-making, according to the president of Queensland's peak farming lobby group.

Water security has largely been an issue consigned to regional and rural Queensland. But no more.

TOOWOOMBA's iconic Heritage Bank will usher in a new era early next year when the newly merged customer-owned bank is officially renamed People First Bank.

FROM the pub feeds after footy training to hotly contested bare-foot sprints at the end of a country race meet, Darling Downs readers will feel right at home within the pages of Clare Fletcher's latest novel, Love Match.

By CAITLIN CROWLEY | EXCLUSIVE SOLVING Australia's worsening teacher shortage requires a similar community response to the collaboration

CONFUSION in the community around the role of local government and its responsibilities has emerged as a key concern among Southern Queensland council candidates, who are experimenting with creative ways to combat disengagement and connect with voters in the lead up to next month's election.