FREE
APRIL 28, 2026 | Edition 40-50
www.gcnews.com.au
CONNECTING THE COMMUNITIES OF GLASSHOUSE COUNTRY AND THE BLACKALL RANGE
ANZAC DAY
Mountain rescues through the roof THE Glass House Mountains are drawing record numbers of climbers, with a sharp rise in rescue operations prompting safety concerns and questions about the influence of social media on less-experienced adventurers. Queensland Fire and Rescue
officer, Brendan Boyd, who has been involved in local operations for more than a decade, said the number of technical rescues has increased significantly, with 2026 already trending well above historical averages. “Ten years ago you might
have seen around five rescues a year. Now we’re looking at closer to 25 to 35,” Mr Boyd said, adding, “There’s a bit of social media influence and people wanting to reach those well-known summit spots.” “But these mountains can be unforgiving.” Story p4-5
ANZAC spirit strong across hinterland p8-9 CULTURE
Rail clearing backlash By Sonia Isaacs
Maleny Music Festival wins big at QMA p29
A LONG-time Glass House Mountains resident has spoken out over the scale of vegetation clearing associated with the Beerburrum to Nambour (B2N) Rail Upgrade, describing the transformation of a once green corridor as confronting and calling for
clearer communication from authorities. Cliff Schnick, who has lived in the area for more than 20 years, said clearing along Railway Parade and Pikes Road had gone far beyond what many locals expected, leaving the community uncertain about what lies ahead. The works form part of Stage 1 of the B2N project,
which will duplicate sections of the North Coast Line to improve rail capacity between Beerburrum and Nambour. However, in the Glasshouse region, the visual impact of large-scale tree removal has become a focal point for concern. Mr Schnick said the area had changed dramatically in a short period. While he acknowledged the need for
infrastructure investment, Mr Schnick said the scale and pace of the clearing, combined with what he described as a lack of straightforward information, had left many residents frustrated and anxious. Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, said the project had been approved under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act and was subject to strict environmental conditions. “I understand the level of clearing occurring around the B2N Project is confronting,” Mr Powell said. He said mitigation measures included fauna passages and pre-clearing ecological surveys to protect native species. Story p3
Orthotics The extra support your feet are looking for.
Get rid of that old bomb in the backyard, driveway or paddock
Beerwah
Shop 3, 28 Simpson St, Beerwah
SAME DAY SERVICE CAR REMOVALS $50 - $5,000
Mon - Fri 7:30am - 4:30pm Sat 8:00am - 12:00pm
1300 881 082
Landsborough Beerwah Kawana
5439 0999 www.paintplace.com.au
0417 143 997 Locally owned - BEERWAH
Let us help you with your print and digital advertising plans
GC&M News ... for all your marketing needs.
Access to market leading rates from over 35 lenders. Experienced and knowledgable mortgage broker with over 30 years experience in the industry.
Call Teresa on (07) 5422 9458 today.
Call 5438 7445 www.gcnews.com.au
Mortgage Choice Pty Ltd ACN 009 161 979 (Australian Credit Licence 382869) and Smartline Operations Pty Ltd ACN 086 467 727 (Australian Credit Licence 385325) are owned by REA Group Ltd.
Glasshouse Country & Maleny News, Tuesday April 28, 2026 PAGE 1