April 2026
DALBY 07 4669 7317 TOOWOOMBA 07 4633 5513 WARWICK 07 4661 4126 GOONDIWINDI 07 4519 3801
12808941-CV44-25
Meeting future challenges PAGES 6-7
Knitting Nannas don the needles to protest...
‘A stitch-up’ By Fiona Gowers Farmers and the “Knitting Nannas” have held a peaceful “knit-in” outside Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki’s office to demand the government honour a 2024 election promise. The Crisafulli Government pledged to protect the Condamine Alluvium—a vital, shallow groundwater system—from coal seam gas (CSG) expansion by requiring miners to prove “beyond reasonable doubt” that their activities cause no harm. Seventeen months later, local producers like Liza Balmain are frustrated by the lack of legislative action. Concerns centre on Arrow Energy’s drilling, which threatens the “food bowl” region. Farmers fear that depressurizing coal seams will cause high-quality agricultural water to leach downward through geological faults or aging wells. While recent comments from MP Pat Weir suggest reform may be imminent, farmers remain wary of potential loopholes and a lack of direct consultation. They vow to continue their protests until these protections are officially enshrined in law. STORY PAGE 3
Rhonda Allen of Toowoomba Knitting Nannas said: “It’s long past time for the government to honour their commitment. Allowing gas drilling to keep creeping into the Condamine Alluvium undermines the long-term future of food production in this region. “Most of the gas that Arrow Energy extracts is sold overseas for huge company profits, while local communities are left to pay the price of damaged agricultural land.” (Supplied)
Going nuts for powder Kingaroy was re-established as the peanut capital of Australia with a nation-first production officially unveiled. Kingaroy’s Plenty Foods officially opened their nut powder facility and recognised 40 years as a business with a grand celebration on Thursday afternoon, 26 February. There were dignitaries from state government, Burnett businesses and beyond in attendance at the South Burnett factory who had supported Plenty’s innovative rise in the niche food market. South Burnett Chef Jason Ford and his team of students from South Burnett and Toowoomba TAFE were busy serving guests food using the new peanut and almond powder. STORY PAGES 4-5
Saleyards upgrade South Burnett’s Coolabunia Saleyards have been in operation for 44 years, and after four decades of service, have seen some much needed upgrades. On Thursday, 26 February, South Burnett Regional Council officially opened the upgraded saleyards ahead of the monthly cattle sale. First opened on 22 October, 1982, the Coolabunia Saleyards facility was established to relocate cattle and pig sales from the old town yards. The facility was placed at Coolabuina to straddle the tick line. STORY PAGE 8
12827923-JO50-25