North Queensland local news briefing: Friday, November 13, 2026 - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Here's what's making news in the North Queensland region today.

The Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand says urology training needs to increase following a report into failures at Townsville Hospital.

Investigations released this week found the department operated with a shortfall of 1.7 full-time urologists between 2022 and 2025, when hundreds of patients received substandard care.

The hospital is recruiting two additional full-time urologists, but the positions remain unfilled.

Society president Damien Bolton said greater training opportunities were needed to increase urologist numbers in the state.

He said the society would be open to working with any state government to train more urologists to practise in regional centres.

James Cook University says it hopes a new undergraduate degree will help more students become veterinarians amid workforce shortages.

The Bachelor of Science, majoring in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience, will be offered at the Townsville campus from next year.

The university said it was another option for students who miss the ATAR or GPA required for Vet Sciences.

Head professor John Cavalieri said the course could lead to plenty of careers, but demand for vets remained significant.

"If we graduated more vets at the moment I am pretty sure they would all get jobs and particularly in rural areas," he said.

Native Mineral Resources Holdings Limited chief executive Blake Cannavo says a new joint venture agreement to reopen old mines in Charters Towers is a testament to the quality of Queensland minerals.

Under the agreement, which includes potential for a one-off $5 million payment, the company can mine land owned by Citigold Corporation Limited and share the profits.

Mr Cannavo said the grade of gold was exceptional and he hoped to be producing gold within 16 months.

"You will have one of the highest grade gold mines in Australia," he said.

North Queensland police are hoping a recent drug operation breaks supply chains within the Burdekin.

Officers from Home Hill and Ayr police stations targeted drug crime during September and October, charging 13 people with drug offences, including some with serious charges involving supply and trafficking.

Sergeant Sam Pyke, the Home Hill police station officer in charge, said a significant quantity of drugs, including methamphetamine and cocaine, was taken off the streets.

"Hopefully that puts a dent in the drug network in the Burdekin," he said.

He said drugs contributed to crime, family harm and antisocial behaviour.

The Cowboys have resigned Fran Goldthorp until 2028. (Supplied: North Queensland Cowboys)

The North Queensland Cowboys have returned to the field, with pre-season training beginning this week.

Development players made up most of the squad, with experienced players expected back over coming weeks.

Development player Taj Lateo, 19, said training was an opportunity for younger players to gain experience.

Cowboys captains and Kangaroos players Tom Dearden and Reuben Cotter will play New Zealand in Sunday's Rugby League World Cup grand final.

Dolphins and Queensland Origin prop Thomas Flegler, contracted until the end of 2027, remains in talks with the Cowboys and toured their facilities this week.

In the NRLW, the Cowboys have extended English international fullback Fran Goldthorp's contract until 2028.

The reigning Cowboys NRLW player of the year has missed only two games since the club's inception in 2023.