Western Queensland local news briefing: Thursday, October 29, 2026 - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Here's what's making news in Western Queensland today.

A company previously looking to develop an open-cut coalmine 50 kilometres north of Alpha has gone into liquidation.

Hancock Coal had planned to build the mine to export 30 million tonnes of thermal coal annually, for 30 years.

The project spent several years in court amid objections from landholders and environmental groups over groundwater concerns.

Though approved, the project had not progressed in recent years.

Liquidators were appointed on Tuesday.

The company is majority owned by Indian-based business GVK Natural Resources, with mining magnate Gina Rinehart's Hancock Energy also a shareholder.

However, Hancock Prospecting said the venture had been controlled and managed by GVK for more than a decade.

More residents in south-west Queensland will be able to access funding for training pathways after the Country Education Foundation expanded grant eligibility.

The foundation provides funding for rural residents pursuing skills training and higher education, covering student relocation costs and new learning materials.

Paroo branch chair Trish McKenzie said the latest grant round had been expanded to include Quilpie, Murweh and Bulloo shires.

She said the branch had supported young people over 20 years to pursue training in fields including veterinary care, nursing, teaching and diesel fitting.

A boil-water alert has been issued for residents in Eromanga as a precautionary measure following water-quality testing.

Water used for brushing teeth and preparing food and drinks should be boiled for at least a minute and cooled before use.

A boil-water alert was also in place in Isisford due to turbidity in the water, a week after advice not to consume the water was withdrawn.

A north-west cattle industry representative is seeking feedback from local producers on proposed levy reforms.

Cattle Australia wants to increase the transaction levy from $5 to $6 a head and improve transparency on where money is spent.

The levy helps fund biosecurity, research and innovation across the industry.

Newly elected northern director and Cloncurry grazier Jane McMillan said producers could vote on the changes in November.

She encouraged everyone who paid the levy to vote, saying they did not have to be a member of Cattle Australia.