Here’s what’s making news in the Southern Queensland region today.<\/p>\n
Egg supplier denies cartel claims<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Parking fine rise delayed<\/p>\n
A decision on increasing parking fines in Toowoomba has been deferred by the Toowoomba Regional Council.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A motion to defer the decision to a future council meeting passed unanimously.<\/p>\n
Investigation finds fuel check faults<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
A post-flight inspection found significantly less fuel on board than expected because a discrepancy with a previous flight was not picked up.<\/p>\n
Flylink Aviation College is updating its procedures to improve recording and tracking of defects.<\/p>\n
Six charged over Toowoomba drug ring<\/p>\n
Police have charged six people with a total of 59 offences in relation to an alleged commercial drug trafficking ring in Toowoomba.<\/p>\n
Detectives searched a car travelling on the Gore Highway at Southbrook last Saturday and allegedly found cocaine, ecstasy and MDMA.<\/p>\n
They arrested two men in their 30s from Torrington, who have since been charged with numerous drug offences.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“We will allege that those offenders were engaged in the commercial supply of dangerous drugs,” he said.<\/p>\n
The men will appear in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court at dates throughout November.<\/p>\n
Rain lifts spirits in Texas<\/p>\n
A major hay producer in southern Queensland is celebrating after 33 millimetres of rain fell in the drought-declared region.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He said the rain had boosted spirits, but more was needed to help those struggling.<\/p>\n
“A lot of people have their hearts in their mouths at the moment,” he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Finlay said he may now plant cotton or corn to balance out his hay.<\/p>\n