Here’s what’s making news in the Southern Queensland region today.
Egg supplier denies cartel claims
Australia’s largest egg supplier has denied it engaged in cartel and other anti-competitive behaviour, and says it intends to defend legal proceedings filed by the competition regulator.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) launched action against Sunny Queen, which has operations on the Darling Downs, and 11 other producers in the Federal Court yesterday.
The ACCC alleged the cohort coordinated a range of business decisions to manage perceived oversupply in a way that reduced competition since at least October 2020.
Sunny Queen said it had been supplying Australian families with eggs for more than 50 years, had earned a reputation for ethical farming and consumer practices, and remained committed to adhering to these high standards.
Parking fine rise delayed
A decision on increasing parking fines in Toowoomba has been deferred by the Toowoomba Regional Council.
Councillors debated amendments to parking laws at a committee meeting yesterday, including a recommendation to increase fines, but a motion from Councillor Bill Cahill, seconded by Councillor Carol Taylor, was defeated.
During debate, councillors discussed the accuracy of technology used to determine overstaying fines, problems with the mobile phone parking app and delays to pay-by-plate technology.
A motion to defer the decision to a future council meeting passed unanimously.
Investigation finds fuel check faults
An Australian Transport Safety Bureau report has found a student and instructor pilot did not effectively check fuel levels before a training flight was forced to make a precautionary landing last year.
The Flylink Aviation College flight from Archerfield to Toowoomba City Aerodrome landed at nearby Wellcamp Airport on December 5, 2025, after power reduced momentarily on two occasions.
A post-flight inspection found significantly less fuel on board than expected because a discrepancy with a previous flight was not picked up.
Flylink Aviation College is updating its procedures to improve recording and tracking of defects.
Six charged over Toowoomba drug ring
Police have charged six people with a total of 59 offences in relation to an alleged commercial drug trafficking ring in Toowoomba.
Detectives searched a car travelling on the Gore Highway at Southbrook last Saturday and allegedly found cocaine, ecstasy and MDMA.
They arrested two men in their 30s from Torrington, who have since been charged with numerous drug offences.
A further four men have been charged, and Acting Detective Inspector Ryan Harmer said police had acted due to a tip-off from members of the public.
“We will allege that those offenders were engaged in the commercial supply of dangerous drugs,” he said.
The men will appear in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court at dates throughout November.
Rain lifts spirits in Texas
A major hay producer in southern Queensland is celebrating after 33 millimetres of rain fell in the drought-declared region.
Greg Finlay said his property in Texas had received less than 200mm this year before the fall, in an area that usually gets 650mm annually.
He said the rain had boosted spirits, but more was needed to help those struggling.
“A lot of people have their hearts in their mouths at the moment,” he said.
Mr Finlay said he may now plant cotton or corn to balance out his hay.
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