A Historic Earthquake Jolts Queensland
Queensland experienced its strongest onshore earthquake in 50 years over the weekend, with a massive 5.6-magnitude quake shaking the region on Saturday morning. The tremors were felt as far as Hervey Bay to parts of northern New South Wales (NSW), sending shockwaves across affected communities.
The epicentre was located approximately 200 kilometres north of Brisbane, at a depth of 10 kilometres, striking at 9:50 AM. Thousands of Queenslanders reported experiencing the quake, with about 20,000 individuals feeling its effects. The earthquake caused power outages for over 13,000 properties in its wake.
Aftershocks Likely to Continue
According to Geoscience Australia, residents should brace for potential mild aftershocks in the coming days. Seismologist Michelle Salmon noted, “It was a decent wobble. And yes, we’re likely to see aftershocks.” She further revealed that smaller quakes have already occurred, one of which was challenging to locate due to its low magnitude, but it was still felt by some residents.
Experts urge residents to remain vigilant as these subsequent seismic events, while mild in severity, may continue to affect the area.
Cold Weather Adds to the Week’s Woes
Adding to the weekend’s upheaval, the weather in Brisbane took a chilly turn with temperatures dropping to single digits overnight. However, meteorologists predict warmer nights for the rest of the week, with lows expected to remain above 10 degrees. Daytime highs are likely to stay below 20 degrees early in the week, accompanied by cloudy conditions and potential rain midweek.
Australia’s Political and Global News
In political updates, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher hinted at changes to tax policies during the upcoming economic roundtable. While she acknowledged the challenges of eliminating stamp duty—a significant revenue source for states—she emphasized the importance of reducing red tape in housing developments.
On the international stage, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continues to enjoy strong voter support following his landmark election victory. Meanwhile, discussions around Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state have garnered mixed opinions, with some suggesting recognition regardless of political conditions in Gaza, while others call for meeting key prerequisites first.
Weekend Sports Highlights
As Brisbane recovers from the tremors, the city cheered for its teams in weekend sports. The Broncos claimed an exciting victory against the Dolphins in a heated Battle of Brisbane, while AFL fans celebrated the Lions returning to winning form with a solid performance against the Dockers in Perth. Brisbane’s NRLW star, Ali Brigginshaw, also delivered an inspiring performance in her milestone 50th game.
A Community Balancing Resilience and Renewal
The resilience of Queenslanders continues to shine as they navigate recovery efforts while facing both natural and urban challenges. Logan City Council has unveiled plans for a dedicated diamond sports stadium to elevate Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics. In addition, a new urban renewal project for Brisbane’s inner west promises to transform suburbs like Toowong into bustling mixed-use precincts.
Stay informed as Queensland rebuilds and progresses amidst a transformative period.
