Mount Louisa Walking Track will be temporarily closed from Monday as Council teams repair damage caused by record-breaking rainfall The closure is expected to last about three weeks allowing for heavy machinery to be used safely in the repair works Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said there were several other scenic walking tracks that residents could use during the closure “For anyone who needs the thrill of climbing a hill most of our walking tracks on Castle Hill are now reopened to pedestrians following similar repair works,” Cr Greaney said “There are also great walking and exercise paths along The Strand Douglas and the Ross River that you can enjoy so please make the most of them until the Mount Louisa Walking Track reopens “Council is very keen to get Mount Louisa Walking Track back up to scratch following this year’s intense rainfall and will keep you updated on when the track is back open to walkers.” For more information, visit Works & Road Closures - Townsville City Council ABN: 44 741 992 072 Copyright 2025 Townsville City Council all rights reserved Townsville City Council acknowledges the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun Gugu Badhun and Nywaigi as the Traditional Owners of this land follow the instructions for your browser below QSR Media Australia website works best with Javascript enabled Please enable your javascript and reload the page Read the full statement from Domino's here Bushland Beach and North Shore were temporarily closed on Monday 2 December after the local franchisee determined they were unable to operate the stores on an ongoing basis We can confirm that Domino’s Mount Louisa has today reopened on Tuesday Domino’s has offered support to all team members impacted by this temporary closure and is committed to re-opening our Bushland Beach and North Shore store locations as soon as possible We apologise for any inconvenience caused to the local community due to the temporary closure of these stores and look forward to serving hot and fresh pizza again very soon A sense of community entwines itself with multiple facets of Chris Cocklin’s life Moving from Hyde Park to Mount Louisa almost 10 years ago with his wife looks back on his son’s upbringing at the property fondly “When our son was growing up in this lovely community the kids in the estate would get together and roam – playing games such as hide-and-seek and spotlighting,” he recalled “It was great that they could get out and have fun exploring the hill.” Purchased in 2012, the 1482sq m block has provided space and privacy with the natural beauty surrounding the residence also a drawcard for the family “We wanted a property with expansive views but also with a good sized yard,” Mr Cocklin explained “This home presented panoramic views from The Pinnacles across to Magnetic Island and up to the Palm Islands “It’s a wonderful property set in a natural environment but close to everything – Domain Mr Cocklin and his family had continued to immaculately maintain the residence “We very much wanted wide-open views as well as a property that provides a genuine lifestyle retreat,” he said “What this property provided was the location and privacy that affords that sense of lifestyle retreat It’s been a fantastic place to raise our son and the home is a very easy place to live and enjoy.” From the moment one enters the grand atrium entrance that connects the two levels it is evident that there has been careful attention to detail throughout From the ducted vacuum to the external cyclone shutters 7.5kW of solar including a Solax battery and security with gated access the residence has been equipped with all of the functionality and practicality needed for the modern family Design elements include spotted gum timber flooring throughout as well as an internal and external repaint have also kept the residence looking next to new with the construction of a 12.5m pool a welcome addition “The addition that has really made a huge difference was the development of our beautiful swimming pool,” Mr Cocklin said with the pool awarded a Master Builder’s award in 2018 has created an unrivalled outdoor living space where we spend a great deal of time.” Adjoining the pool is a separate kitchenette with a sitting area and flat yard with the established gardens hosting birdlife and native animals a double remote garage is accessible via the ground level with huge lockable storage underneath the residence perfect for all the tools and larger items the living area features a vaulted high ceiling residents can step down into a private and secluded section that features an opulent complete with a spa bath that has been positioned to take in the wonderful views A separate multipurpose room is the ideal space for a home theatre or just extra space that can open via folding doors to expand the living areas enjoying a barbecue or entertaining on a grand scale this home ensures that you have the room to do so,” Keyes and Co Property agent Tess Sellwood said Ms Sellwood said the position was “second to none,” with Mr Cocklin seconding the sentiment “There are three things we love about this home – the views the sense of living in a lifestyle resort and the small community of neighbours in our part of the estate,” he said “If buyers are looking for a property that offers genuine lifestyle Key Features: Grand atrium entrance connecting both levels surround-sound throughout in the media room and upper deck third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group 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By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. The Townsville rental market eased in April with new data showing the vacancy rate increased for the month The latest PropTrack Market Insight Report showed the Townsville vacancy rate was up 0.05 percentage points month-on-month to sit at 1.25 per cent This was a 0.32 percentage point drop for the quarter and a 0.12 percentage point drop year-on-year the vacancy rate was up 0.08 percentage points to sit at 1.16 per cent in April Anne Flaherty said this was the equal second tightest regional rental market in Australia the vacancy rate in regional Queensland was down 0.25 percentage points,” she said RELATED: Luxe house and land on offer in NQ Iconic Castle Hill home hits market Investors: Next Qld regions set to boom the vacancy rate rose 0.03 percentage points in April to 1.02 per cent – the second lowest vacancy rate in the country “The share of rental properties vacant and available in Brisbane is now 53 per cent lower in April compared to the start of the pandemic in March 2020,” Ms Flaherty said the vacancy rate was up 0.09 percentage points in April up 0.01 percentage points for the quarter and down 0.18 percentage points year-on-year conditions remain incredibly tough for renters with just 1.21 per cent of rental properties sitting vacant over the month,” Ms Flaherty said “This is less than half the level that is considered a healthy rate of vacancy homes that do come up for rent are continuing to see high levels of competition Ms Flaherty said the situation for renters was similar across both capital city and regional areas with each seeing vacancy at 1.2 per cent in April regional areas have seen the greatest deterioration in rental conditions with vacancy down 0.25 percentage points compared to a 0.15 percentage point drop in the cities,” she said “Adelaide has cemented its place as the most difficult city to find a rental and was the only capital to see its vacancy rate sitting below 1 per cent in April.” The report showed Perth and Canberra saw the largest increases to vacancy in April each up 0.18 percentage points to 1.05 per cent and 1.56 per cent Hobart and Sydney followed for the second and third largest increases to vacancy in April rising 0.16 percentage points and 0.14 percentage points rising 0.09 percentage points to 1.23 per cent in April A devastated pensioner and his 80-year-old mother have been left homeless less than four weeks out from Christmas after their Townsville home was destroyed by fire Please call us on 1800 070 535 and we’ll help resolve the issue or try again later Any Questions? Please call 1800 070 535 Saturday & Sunday 7:00am – 11:30am (AEST) A Townsville landlord who was left with $10k in damages after her property was decimated by tenants says she has been left with little option than to sell up New details have emerged after a man was shot dead by police in Townsville with one neighbour seeing the entire ordeal from his bedroom window Any Questions? Please call 1800 070 535. Monday to Friday 7:30am – 6:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 7:00am – 11:30am (AEST) Townsville City Council is widening and resurfacing a section of Bayswater Road in Mount Louisa to help make the road safer for motorists and other road users. The works are funded by the Queensland Government’s Works 4 Queensland Round 3 (W4Q3) program. Council Infrastructure Services Committee chairperson and local councillor Kurt Rehbein said the work would help extend the life of the road. “Bayswater Rd is one of our city’s main thoroughfares, which is why it’s important that it is well maintained,” Cr Rehbein said. “These upgrades will happen between the intersection with Mount Louisa Drive and 572 Bayswater Rd. “The works that Council crews are about to undertake will go a long way to extending the life of the road, which is great news for nearby residents and businesses.” Cr Rehbein said safety was also in the spotlight with these upgrades. “Crews will be resurfacing and widening the road, which will help make it safer for motorists travelling along Bayswater Rd,” he said. “I know safety is at the forefront of my mind when I’m driving, and I’m sure that most people would agree, which is why Council is taking steps to increase safety for all motorists travelling along this busy street.” Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Works 4 Queensland program had already poured almost $84 million into Townsville’s economy, with another $19.5 million on the way. “Townsville City Council received $70 million through Works 4 Queensland funding rounds, with an additional $13.5 million through the COVID Works for Queensland program,” Mr Stewart said. “Almost 1,700 jobs have been supported with this funding, boosting our region’s economic recovery. I’m pleased that Townsville will be able to receive a further $19.5 million to further strengthen our city.” Cr Rehbein said the works would take about four weeks to complete, weather permitting. “Crews have started works and will be doing some night works to lessen the impact on traffic. These night works will be conducted from 7pm to 5am on Monday April 19 and from Tuesday April 27 to Thursday April 29,” he said. “Council’s construction crews will be delivering the construction. The project will cost $730,000. “This is a great final step in refurbishing Bayswater Rd. Council installed new lights on Bayswater Rd at Mount Louisa earlier this year and has last month started construction on a footpath along Bayswater Rd between St Lucia Dr and IGA. “These are great additions to the area and I’m sure they will go a long way to improving safety and comfortability for motorists and pedestrians in the area.” ABN: 44 741 992 072 Copyright 2025 Townsville City Council all rights reserved. Townsville City Council acknowledges the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun, Bindal, Gugu Badhun and Nywaigi as the Traditional Owners of this land. We pay our respects to their cultures, their ancestors and their Elders, past, present, and all future generations. CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Dramatic footage has emerged of a group of youths hanging on to the side of a four-wheel-drive speeding away from the scene of an attempted break-in at Mount Louisa The site of a new residential development in Mount Louisa CONSTRUCTION on a residential development in the heart of Mount Louisa has started in a bid to support jobs and help Townsville surge ahead following the COVID-19 impacts an infill development off Banfield Drive set in an established neighbourhood is the latest in Mendi Group’s property portfolio and will offer 95 residential lots Originally destined to be used for schooling the site was bought from the state government in 2012 Mendi Group managing director Jeff Doyle said now was the perfect time to get moving on the project with residential development considered to be the “best use” for the parcel of land Mr Doyle said providing employment opportunities and generating activity offered flow-on effects for local businesses “I’ve had this approval for a while and we chose to do it now because it fits with our availability of construction crew but it also fits with the need to employ people,” he said “We’re trying to generate jobs in Townsville given the current COVID situation “We’ll employ 20 people here throughout the construction It will also keep another 25 to 30 people external to the site (in jobs) such as consultants “We’ve got a unique parcel of land because it is an infill We can’t be compared to other developments so we’ve had a lot of interest since our boardings have gone up.” The project will inject more than $40 million into the community and increase the value of the area Jeff Doyle at the site of a new residential development in Mount Louisa It is designed to complement existing housing offering lot sizes between 390sq m and 865sq m close to existing amenities such as businesses Mr Doyle said it was important to be agile and adapt to changing circumstances “We understand that COVID’s had a big impact on certain industries “We have also grabbed people from the hospitality industry and we have got some of them working in our business now.” The first stage of the development is scheduled for release in October with construction to be completed by the end of 2021 PERCHED among the treetops of Mount Louisa some of the best views in Townsville can be seen from the decks of this luxury home 20/18 High Vista Drive will be sold under the hammer on May 8 double car accommodation and is on 1.5 acres of land high on Mount Louisa The owners of the house said their vision was for a family home that would capture the essence of living in North Queensland “We wanted a home that used its elevation and captured the panoramic views north east and west resulting in beautiful outlooks from every room “A family retreat that brought the outdoors and indoors into one “High Vista Drive has a strong sense of community where neighbours become friends and it was a place where our children felt safe landscaping and natural vegetation provided a safe haven to the local wildlife.” The home was architecturally designed by Danny Oberski who was familiar with life in the tropics The pole home has soaring steel beams which meant manual excavation was kept to a minimum to help maintain the natural rock formation of the land The home is made up of three pavilions which provide private sanctuaries but also allow space for a family to enjoy time together The open-plan living areas flow out to the oversized covered timber decks through bi-fold and french doors Glass has been used extensively throughout the home to maximise natural light and views while louvres in the bedrooms capture breezes The swimming pool is positioned between two of the pavilions and is visible from the kitchen It also has a waterfall feature that is illuminated with blue neon lights Ray White selling agent Julie Mahoney said the home offered great value for money at the high end of the market because it would most likely sell at below the replacement cost “It’s in an absolutely amazing spot because the owners purchased the block straight from the developer and they got one of the best blocks,” she said “From the house you can see right out to Magnetic Island “The house also has solar because it was the owner’s dream to be energy neutral and off the grid.” A two vehicle crash at the intersection of Woolcock St and Weston St From the shores of The Strand to the vast North Queensland countryside residents gathered at the end of their driveways this morning to remember them A STATE of the art showroom at Mount Louisa will be the base for what is believed to be the first licensed Powerhouse Gym in Australia Don't miss out on the headlines from Business Followed categories will be added to My News A STATE-OF-THE-ART showroom at Mount Louisa will be the base for what is believed to be the first licensed Powerhouse Gym in Australia Partners Corryn Henrich and Josh Bean will operate the gym at 749 Woolcock St a 2098sqm site developed as a purpose-built motorcycle showroom The property is being converted into a big box-style gymnasium including a family-friendly exercise and training area a separate space for heavy lifters to be called “The Vault” coffee and smoothies bar on a mezzanine level overlooking the gym Ms Henrich said they were attracted to the site by the quality of the property and its position with good access into the city and the fast developing Northern Beaches and Bohle Plains Ms Henrich said they intended to use every part of the 865sqm building Colliers International senior executive James Pascoe said more than $2 million had been spent developing the showroom and Powerhouse had taken a long-term lease The property had been air-conditioned throughout and included full kitchen facilities and amenities with shower. “Powerhouse were able to negotiate a very competitive rental with a reasonable incentive package,” Mr Pascoe said Ms Henrich said they planned to build a point of difference as a big box-style gym providing quality Les Mills group fitness classes top equipment and a family-friendly atmosphere A separate heavy lifters area would allow the “big boys” to let off steam lifting 150kg dumbbells without interfering with other customers “We want to make sure everyone feels comfortable,” Ms Henrich said Powerhouse was founded in Michigan in 1975 and now has more than 300 licensees operating throughout the US and internationally Ms Henrich said they had negotiated a Powerhouse licence for Queensland and believed they were the first licensees in Australia although the name is widely used “Long term we would like to grow but at this stage we will start at Townsville,” she said “It will be a substantial business employing about 20 staff and pumping close to $1 million in wages back into the Townsville economy.” An opening is planned for late April or early May Home loans with longer interest-only periods are appearing in Australia as housing costs climb Investors made jaw-dropping gains in big tech and Bitcoin in the past decade Real opportunities lie in areas no one is talking about yet TWENTY young Cubs and Scouts from Mount Louisa and Kirwan are hoping to head south for jamboree events Don't miss out on the headlines from Regional News TWENTY young Cubs and Scouts from Mount Louisa and Kirwan are hoping to head south for major events Scouts will be raising funds to make the 2700km trip south to Tailem Bend in South Australia The younger Cubs will head to a Cuboree in Maryborough in September said the Kirwan and Mount Louisa Scouts would be joined by thousands at Jamboree “It’s going to be 10,000 kids from all around Australia South East Asia and some from America,” Ms Ellis said “It’s something that happens every three years.” Ms Ellis said there would be “lots of building and getting dirty” at the camp She said the Scouts would be going boating and sailing learning how to use two-way radios and how to climb using ropes Scouts and Cubs plan to build a giant Scout symbol out of coins donated by shoppers at Stockland shopping centre today A Hinchinbrook man who was lucky to avoid death in a car crash has had his drink-driving sentence reduced because of the money he still owes on his totalled ute An intoxicated driver caused a crash with a taxi and sent pedestrians running for safety as he mounted a kerb and smashed into a pole and fountain THE RSPCA are investigating the death of a cat in Mount Louisa THE RSPCA are investigating whether the death of a cat in Mount Louisa was the result of animal cruelty a group of adults reported seeing two teenagers swinging a ginger and white cat around on a leash on Bayswater Road A police spokeswoman said it was uncertain whether the cat was dead or alive at the time RSPCA inspector Frank Bebernitz said the incident was initially reported to police “We have made arrangements for the cat to be examined by a vet to determine the cause of death,” he said Mr Bebernitz urged members of the public who witnessed anything to come forward “It would be great if we can identify the cat’s owner or the people involved,” he said Anyone with additional information about the cat or the incident should contact 1300 ANIMAL and quote job number 616477 You’ve voted for the top 50 cutest toddlers in Townsville Two Townsville twelve-year-old best friends are off to Barcelona at to play futsal for Australia ONE of Townsville’s most beloved restaurants has announced they will close their doors for good Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville ONE of Townsville’s most beloved restaurants has announced they will close their doors for good Owners of TUBE — The Ultimate Burger Experience posted a message on their Facebook page on Thursday afternoon explaining that they were unable to find a buyer for the local business and will cease trading “It’s with deep sadness that today the journey of TUBE has come to an end,” the Facebook post read “The downturn in the Townsville economy has taken its toll.” TUBE owners Paul Sichter and Kalvin Moore used the Facebook post to thank their staff and customers for their support “We always tried our best to support locally through the sponsorship of many sporting clubs and charitable events,” the post read “With us closing it is a reminder that we need to back our local business owners “We employ local people and keep the economy going.” The business has operated at two locations in Townsville over seven years Mr Sichter and Mr Moore also both posted heartfelt tributes to the business on their personal Facebook pages “Lessons have been learnt but sometimes I feel it was a case (of) wrong place wrong time,” Mr Sichter wrote “We join a long list of local Townsville businesses that have hit the wall.” Mr Moore posted that he was feeling “defeated” by the closure (and) loved ones with my obsession with work from time to time (and) it has had its repercussions over the years but forgiveness support and the will to move on have generally worked,” the Facebook post read The business received an outpouring of support on their social media with hundreds of burger lovers voicing their shock and disappointment I like to shop with small business,” Jo Trueman commented #Supportlocals,” Joelene Accatino said Melanie Jane Perry-Germano commented that the stress of running a small business sometimes wasn’t worth it “As a small business I understand why you have closed,” she commented wages super and keeping local … BAS and taxes kill you I make no money because of all of these factors and then if I make a profit I get the luxury of paying a massive tax on this!” Facebook page ‘Community Thoughts’ took to the post to express frustration over the current local economy “Another good Townsville business down the drain,” the comment read “These guys have put all their money and efforts into it and it comes to this large shopping centres and the big end of town have a lot to answer for “What does the Townsville business community do for businesses like this Those who say Townsville economy is in a good space Townsville council’s new bin police are checking your recycling backed by nearly a quarter of a million dollars in state funding to crack down on yellow-lid contamination FEMALE veterans in Townsville are crying out for more support with ex-soldiers speaking out about their experiences with PTSD with ex-soldiers spea­king out about challenges ranging from PTSD to a lack of recognition There are 571 women posted to Lavarack Barracks but female veterans say there is little in the way of services specifically targeted at women 11 per cent of the soldiers admitted to the Townsville Soldier Recovery Centre have been women up from 9 per cent last year and 8 per cent in 2013 According to the 2010 ADF Mental Health Prevalence and Wellbeing Study the rate of 12-month PTSD for women serving in defence was 10.1 per cent compared to 9 per cent for women in Australia overall The estimated prevalence for men serving in the defence force was about 8.1 per cent compared to 4.6 per cent for the general male population is the co-founder of the Women Veterans Association Australia on Facebook and said there were already about 10 people attending meet-ups in Townsville “We cope with things differently and it’s hard for females to open up and get help,” she said “You don’t want to be classed as a sook or a whinger or a bludger or crybaby.” Ms Fenton said that when she discharged there weren’t any female-based programs “Within six months I was reaching out and going ‘what is there for females “It’s definitely something Townsville is really in need of.” Ms Fenton said one aim of the group was to put a few women through pension and welfare courses “That’s a good thing for females because at the moment there are not too many female advocates and pension officers about,” she said Ms Fenton was diagnosed with PTSD last year after discharging in 2012 with a severe back injury American soldiers she had become friends with were killed in a rocket attack “That was really upsetting because you don’t really realise until something happens to you or someone that you know the danger around,” she said explosions from a construction site near her Mount Louisa home were enough to trigger memories of blasts in Iraq “I remember walking around on all fours It was a loud explosion and I didn’t know where I was,” she said I couldn’t drive my car for a week.” She stayed in the army for another seven years after that Ms Fenton believes she would have taken her own life if it weren’t for her six-year-old daughter Alannah a former sergeant who went on 11 deployments has PTSD and is living at Zac’s Place a Townsville accommodation facility for veterans She spent 11 years of her 16-year career in Townsville and moved back in 2013 Although she was picked up as having a mental illness in 2008 it wasn’t until this year she was diagnosed with PTSD Ms Antal said female veterans did not receive the same amount of recognition of what they’ve gone through as men “People don’t expect to see female veterans with issues,” she said they ask if they’re your father’s females deploy too and see s--- they shouldn’t see.” She said she’s getting better but still finds it difficult to leave the house and relies a lot on her dog who she wants to have trained as an assistance dog “I’m still always having nightmares I’m still always looking over my shoulder,” she said One of her biggest challenges came this year when her ex-husband took his own life after his own battle with PTSD A defence spokesman said a comprehensive support continuum was in place for all ADF members “According to the 2010 ADF Mental Health Prevalence and Wellbeing Study a total of 17.9 per cent of ADF members reported seeking help for a stress emotional or mental health problem in the previous 12 months with females being significantly more likely to seek help,” he said A defence spokesman said final reports for the Longitudinal ADF Study Exploring Resilience program were due out in 2018 “It is expected that this study will inform current resilience training and related policy and any differences found between genders will be examined,” he said WHEN baby Billy Glen Rudman decided he was ready to enter the world The Mount Louisa newborn was born at 8.57am yesterday just eight minutes after his father Anthony Rudman said her contractions started about 8pm on Tuesday night and the couple attended Townsville Hospital at 5am yesterday “It took about 15 minutes from when my waters broke to him popping out.” QAS emergency dispatcher Rachael Brown talked Mr Rudman through the rapid birth of his son It was her first baby delivery via telephone “I could hear the nervousness in his voice but he did well,” she said Ms Dean said she recalled Mr Rudman walking behind her with his hands between her legs “He was told to make sure the baby didn’t fall out,” she laughed “I got to the bed and these guys (Kirwan advanced care paramedics Naomi Smith and Elissa Edie) turned up “It was like in the movies when people say ‘we need more towels’.” She said it was worse than trying to hold in a sneeze Mr Rudman said they had planned to drive to the hospital until they saw bub’s head “I didn’t start to panic until then,” he said thinking if we drive up and he comes on the road it will be chaos “As soon as they (QAS) turned up I felt absolute relief.” Ms Dean said Billy’s successful birth had “already gone to Anthony’s head” “He’s already told my girlfriend that if she has another baby The paramedics said they didn’t have the chance to say hello before Billy was born We roughed him up a bit (to get some colour) and he made one squeak when he got cold.” Townsville Hospital Maternity Ward NUM Sonya Verburgt said Billy was proof babies often had their own agenda