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Articles by Lachlan Ford
Remote Queensland suppliers present their case to reach Brisbane Olympics stage
As Queensland irons out the finer details of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, outback artisans and entertainers are putting up their hands to get involved. The pitch by the state government that the Games would be "for all of Queensland" has been taken to heart, even by those more than 1,000 kilometres away from the main host city. Opal miner Daniel Black said it would be a "dream" to see the famed Australian gems on the world stage.
Queensland youth aspire to make an impact as next generation of politicians
Not all teenagers find agendas, meetings, bills and speeches interesting, but a group of school students from western Queensland are not waiting until voting age to make a mark on politics. Travelling from their remote region, eight youth councillors have been advocating for their communities as members of the Queensland Youth Parliament sitting in Brisbane this week The school-aged Blackall-Tambo Youth Council attended Parliament House and had dinner with the Governor of Queensland.
As communities struggle, Blackall's a shining example of small town reinvention
A pair of photographers rebranded their remote town to inspire their community following years of drought. It is one example of how small towns across Queensland's central west have reinvented themselves and become an inspiration for others across Australia. Small communities consultant Peter Kenyon estimates 70 per cent of small towns are dying but could learn to innovate. Tell us about your experience.
Charleville Bilby Art Trail shows off art and conservation with 300-kilogram sculptures
One of Australia's most beloved tiny marsupials has gone larger than life and is ready to take over a town in outback Queensland. Artists have unveiled six cement bilby sculptures in prominent spots across Charleville, outback Queensland, celebrating the marsupial's national day on Sunday. The "bilby release" highlights the town's title as Australia's bilby capital and aims to educate visitors about the endangered native.
Queensland's warm, dry weather continues into spring as authorities prepare for more bushfires
Lachlan Ford and Kallee Buchanan Bushfire conditions have taken hold in Queensland after a warm, dry winter put pressure on farmers' plantings. The state has just experienced its third-warmest winter, as the El Niño continues to strengthen into what could be the strongest ever. Bureau of Meteorology senior climatologist Hugh McDowell said winter temperatures across Queensland were 1.8 degrees Celsius above average and the unusually warm temperatures would continue across most of the state.
Queensland's warm, dry weather continues into spring as authorities prepare for more bushfires
Bushfire conditions have taken hold in Queensland after a warm, dry winter put pressure on farmers' plantings. The state has just experienced its third-warmest winter, as the El Niño continues to strengthen into what could be the strongest ever. Bureau of Meteorology senior climatologist Hugh McDowell said winter temperatures across Queensland were 1.8 degrees Celsius above average and the unusually warm temperatures would continue across most of the state.
Program: Alert over amateur drone pilots and the risk to aircraft
The last decade has seen drones with high definition cameras move from futuristic devices to a tool in many a photographer's arsenal. But after reports of amateur drone pilots taking safety risks at events authorities are reminding all drone users to brush up on the rules to avoid causing a serious accident.
Amateur drone pilots put events, aircraft at risk, authorities say
The galloping of camels, then the unmistakable buzzing of a drone. Photographer Ann Britton inadvertently captured a small quadcopter filming the action up close at the Winton Camel Races in Western Queensland in July. An unpermitted drone gets an aerial view of a camel race in Winton. (Supplied: Ann Britton) "It actually followed the camels down the track," she said. "The drone was basically there at the same level as the crowd.
Wangkamadla traditional owners celebrate as Pilungah named a special wildlife reserve
Jay Carstens and Lachlan Ford Avelina Tarrago feels a sense of relief as she walks into the Nganganterre gorge. At the site also known as Painted Gorge, the familiar rolling dunes of Pilungah Reserve are interrupted by rocky walls dotted with ritual geometric shapes depicting song lines involved in old Wangkamadla ceremonies.
Program: Fish anglers catch big at Isisford waterhole
At Oma Waterhole near Isisford, anglers from all over Australia arrive for an annual fishing competition. The Barcoo River is home to the popular yellowbelly fish, as well as the endangered Cooper's Creek Catfish. One angler denies using jelly beans to catch fish.
Program: The 20th century tractors growing Queensland's Machinery Mile
It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a museum: an 800-metre row of antique machinery lining the main street of an outback town. Machinery Mile has become a landmark for Ilfracombe in western Queensland, telling the stories of local agriculture and industry. Now, some new additions to the collection have the local historians excited. Story by Lachlan Ford with additional production by Mike Kermode.
Thargomindah outback launch facility to expand guided weapons testing
Jay Carstens and Lachlan Ford A small outback town will host a private weapons and aerospace testing facility in its backyard as part of the Queensland government's efforts to bolster local industry. The 1.2 million-hectare MaxQ range will test horizontal-launch equipment and guided weapons on leased grazing land near Thargomindah, 11 hours west of Brisbane.
Thargomindah outback launch facility to expand guided weapons testing
A small outback town will host a private weapons and aerospace testing facility in its backyard as part of the Queensland government's efforts to bolster local industry. The 1.2 million-hectare MaxQ range will test horizontal-launch equipment and guided weapons on leased grazing land near Thargomindah, 11 hours west of Brisbane. Due to enter operation in mid-2028, phase one of the project will be available to "domestic and allied" users, according to the state government.
Overseas dealers flock to Winton Opal Festival
The outback town of Winton is known for dinosaur fossils and as the location of the first performance of Waltzing Matilda, but has also become an important part of a growing international luxury trade. Uncut stones as well as jewellery can be found at the festival. (ABC Western Qld: Lachlan Ford) Western Queensland's signature boulder opal, known for its colourful appearance, is second in value only to Lightning Ridge's black opal.
Ilfracombe's Machinery Mile grows as 20th century tractors arrive from state museum
Lachlan Ford and Jay Carstens In the heart of Queensland's outback, a blue-and-white semi-trailer from Brisbane is bringing critical and treasured supplies to a tiny town. But its trailer is not carrying food, animal feed or perishables — but four almost 100-year-old tractors. The prized antique payload, sent from Queensland Museum, came as a delight to the smiling group who had perched outside the pub to meet the new additions to their Machinery Mile.
Program: Businesses on the brink as fuel fallout persists
Businesses in regional Australia have been hit hard by the war in the Middle East and want the federal government to extend fuel and freight discounts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he will decide about the fuel excise at the end of next week.
Fuel shock expected to be felt for years as businesses urge extended relief
Regional businesses are warning the global fuel crisis could impact consumers and industry for years to come despite a ceasefire in the Middle East. Most industries in regional Australia have been affected by fuel supply problems and some businesses may even need to close up shop. A decision from the federal government is expected next week on whether to continue halving the fuel excise and some road user charges.
Frustration over approach to dealing with Indian myna driving grassroots action
Across Queensland, there is a grassroots push and growing frustration over a patchwork approach to dealing with a pest species known as "the cane toad of the sky". The Indian myna or common myna is considered one of the world's 100 most invasive species. In the state's south-west, wildlife carer Shannon Mathes is so concerned about its threat to native species, she has self-funded a bounty program that forks out $5 for every bird humanely caught.
Mercury dangers explained as authorities respond to contamination in Cunnamulla
It was an unusual sight for the outback Queensland town of Cunnamulla as evacuation areas popped up manned by scientific officers wearing full-body protective suits with breathing tanks. It was in response to students from the town, about 790 kilometres west of Brisbane, finding vials of mercury at the local tip last Sunday. The following day, the kids decided to bring the toxic element to school, where staff immediately raised the alarm.
Western Queensland's Pilungah Reserve third to gain special status ending mineral prospecting permits
The permanent safeguarding of a remote property in far western Queensland has come as a relief for its traditional owners and the conservationists studying its unique species. Pilungah Reserve, just east of the Northern Territory border, has been named Queensland's third special wildlife reserve. It means the 229,000-hectare area will have national park-level protections even though it is privately owned.
New theatre hopes to attract audiences as remote Queensland town grapples with tourism crisis
An outback comedy troupe is encouraging a new brand of tourists and performers to visit the outback, opening an outdoor theatre in the small town of Winton. Struggling tourism operators have reported loss of revenue as high as 90 per cent due to low tourist sentiment towards fuel supply. The Winton community have put the call out for tourists to return to the outback, declaring the tourism season officially opened.
Analysis of 1,300 new dinosaur bones overhauls understanding of Qld fossil emblem
Matt Herne has come up with an interesting conclusion after examining 1,300 newly recovered bone fragments from one of Australia's most famous dinosaurs, Muttaburrasaurus. "Very different drawings have got to be made," the University of New England palaeontologist said. The findings — published in peer-reviewed journal PeerJ — suggest Queensland's fossil emblem, which roamed Earth 100 million years ago, had a jaw shape and teeth that were absent from earlier visualisations.
Program: Australia's smallest town for sale
Ever thought of owning a town? Now's your chance. The pub, motel, post office, and shop are all for sale in Cooladdi in south-west Queensland.
Tiny Australian town of Cooladdi for sale as owners call time at Foxtrap Roadhouse Original
By Lachlan Ford, ABC The smallest town in Australia with its own postcode has been listed for sale, including a four-bedroom home and several revenue streams. Cooladdi's two residents have decided to leave the relatively busy outback post after serving the wider community for three years. It means whoever takes over will be expected to be a jack-of-all-trades, working as a postie, publican, motelier, restaurateur and shopkeeper.
Regional Australians disappointed by Vodafone ad claiming 'nothing's out here'
Vodafone's latest ad campaign has created a stir among regional and rural Australians who believe its messaging dismisses and disrespects rural and remote communities. Last week, Vodafone launched an advertising campaign urging customers to stop paying for what they did not need.
Police charge Qld Young Australian of the Year with possessing child exploitation material
Police have charged youth support officer and Queensland's Young Australian of the Year, Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw, with eight counts of possessing child exploitation material. The Paroo Shire Council worker was recognised for his work with young people in the community of Cunnamulla in outback Queensland. He is due to appear in Cunnamulla Magistrates Court in April.
Longreach prepares for flooding as Bundaberg clean-up begins
Hundreds of people in Queensland's Bundaberg region have begun cleaning up their homes and businesses as floodwaters recede, while residents in western Queensland prepare for flooding. The Thomson River, which runs through Longreach, is expected to reach a major flood level over the weekend following significant rainfall in the upper catchment. Authorities say its hard to say how many homes will be impacted.
Big Red Bash site will not be dry enough to hold festival in July, search for new venue
Organisers of the Big Red Bash, Australia's biggest outback music festival, are assessing options to relocate this year's festival due to flooding in the region. In a statement, organisers said they had not anticipated the extent of water inundation at the event site — the Big Red sand dune near Birdsville. "Based on current conditions and local advice, the site will not dry sufficiently by July to enable the event to be held safely in this location," the Big Red Bash statement said.
Big Red Bash site will not be dry enough to hold festival in July, search for new venue
2 hours ago Dating and relationships can be tough these days, so how do you create a lasting foundation when it comes to intimacy? Couples counsellor Michelle Janssen, from Brisbane Couples Counselling, tells Refinery29 Australia that conversation is key. "Embrace the conversations about sex, romance, intimacy …
'Extraordinarily dark' town swaps out light bulbs to gain dark sky certification
The Queensland town of Winton has been certified as an International Dark Sky Community. The town has committed to managing its light pollution and installed warm bulbs in its streetlights. Winton Shire Council and tourism operators believe the certification will attract stargazers wanting to experience the natural night sky. Deep in the Queensland outback, far from the light pollution of the big cities, clear skies offer spectacular views of the stars.
Queensland town hopes dark sky certification attracts stargazers to the outback
Retailers express concerns about proposed e-bike and e-scooter ban for under-16s A ban on children under 16 riding e-bikes and e-scooters has been described by one Queensland bicycle retailer as "ridiculous", while another has …
Central Australia tropical low expected to linger for days as flooding cuts off towns
A tropical low over Central Australia, which has brought record rainfall, is expected to linger in Queensland's outback until the end of the week, with some towns preparing for months of isolation. Road closures caused by flooding have continued to impede the flow of food and essentials to towns including Mount Isa, Boulia and Bedourie. A swift-water rescue team saved a man who became trapped while driving through floodwaters near Doomadgee, about 470 kilometres north of Mount Isa.
Large parts of Queensland on alert as flooding threatens to isolate communities
Outback graziers are on high alert as heavy rainfall and flooding threaten the state's north and west, two months on from catastrophic cattle losses due to flooding. A severe weather warning is current for parts of the north-west for heavy, locally intense rainfall, which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding. The warning notes that the conditions will present a risk to cattle and livestock in the area.
Plains-wanderer recorded for first time on outback Queensland cattle station
Ecologists say they have confirmed the presence of a critically endangered bird on a western Queensland pastoral lease where it was previously unrecorded. Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) staff photographed the rare plains-wanderer, known for its black and white neck and shy behaviour, on a cattle station near Bedourie while picking up audio recordings as part of a recent monitoring project. Its call was also picked up by 31 bioacoustic recorders across the property.
Dolphin Sands bushfire sparked by improperly extinguished burn off, Tasmanian authorities confirm
A bushfire in Tasmania that destroyed 19 homes was caused by a registered burn conducted about a week prior, which was not extinguished properly, authorities have confirmed. "Unfortunately, the landowner chose to cover the fire with sand, which has contained the heat in the ground and the uplift in wind has caused embers to come out of that," Deputy Chief Officer Matt Lowe said today. The bushfire was first reported on December 4, with residents asked to evacuate the community. Loading
Retiring captain Elyse Villani says Hurricanes' WBBL win shows team's potential
Elyse Villani called it a fairytale finish to her 50-match Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) career — captaining the Hobart Hurricanes to their first final on Saturday in front of a home crowd and winning her first league title. Yet to bat, Villani watched opener Lizelle Lee drive the chase against the Perth Scorchers' 137 runs with 77 (not out) off 44 balls, the top score ever recorded in a WBBL final. Nicola Carey hit the winning four with five overs and eight wickets to spare.
Council merger floated again, but some wary of 'diabolical' public polling
Residents of Hobart and Glenorchy councils would be asked next year whether they support a local government merger if Glenorchy signs on to the plan. As part of Hobart City Council's motion, an evidence-based report to inform voters would be prepared. Glenorchy councillors will discuss whether they support the proposed path to amalgamation, with Mayor Sue Hickey sceptical of the proposed elector poll.
Stronger Tasmanian dog welfare laws to help prevent puppy farms
Following public outcry over puppy farms, the Tasmanian government has announced measures to improve the welfare of dogs, with a particular focus on breeding regulations. Limits on owning fertile female dogs and maximum breeding ages have been proposed among a suite of regulatory updates. The government plans to progress the amendments through parliament in early 2026.
Doctor Jorian Kippax named Australian of the Year for Tasmania 2026
Emergency medicine specialist Jorian Kippax has been named Australian of the Year for Tasmania for his efforts in the 2024 rescue of a trapped rafter in a remote location. Tasmanian Senior and Young Australians of the Year and a Local Hero have also been recognised for their contributions. The four recipients will go on as finalists for the national awards in their respective categories, to be announced on January 25, 2026.
What you need to know when tackling Tasmania's Cradle Mountain and Overland Track
The Tasmanian wilderness stirs many an adventurous spirit, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. But specialist rescue crews say it is easy to underestimate how quickly a sunny day can flip to life-threatening conditions. This Spring, emergency services have already reported a number of lost or stranded walkers who have been caught out by challenging weather.
3D printed guns, internet-ordered drugs on the list for Crime Stoppers in Tasmania
Tasmania Police reported 4,500 guns were seized or surrendered last year, a 16 per cent increase on the previous year, a result they said was driven by homemade or 3D-printed weapons, which can be difficult to detect through normal means due to their construction. Police are also on high alert for drugs and contraband ordered into the state over the internet, with data showing an increase in the consumption of cocaine and heroin.
Hobart skaters seek fixes and upgrades to ailing North Hobart Skate Park to realise the potential of young skaters
Hobart skaters want the council to upgrade their central skate park into a safer and gnarlier offering, with their petition collecting more than 1,000 signatures. Promising young skaters find it difficult to train to the same level as their interstate opponents, who have access to newer parks. The Hobart City Council says it plans to renew the skate park once its lease on the land is renewed. It was the most bizarre thing skater Paul McMacken had ever seen.
Tania Rattray appointed as Leader for the Government in Tasmania's Legislative Council
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has appointed independent Tania Rattray as Leader for the Government in Tasmania's Legislative Council, an appointment Mr Rockliff sees as "enhancing collaboration" across the chamber. Ms Rattray, an independent for McIntyre in the state’s north-east, accepted the position following a phone call with the premier on Thursday, after citing her frustration with how the house had been functioning.
Hobart City Council pursuing Labor on costs to remove election signage, but no edict to pay
Hobart City Council has voted to recoup clean-up costs from the Tasmanian Labor Party after a three-person council crew spent a total of about 40 hours removing campaign stickers. The council says it was "entirely inappropriate" for city assets to be used to host political material. The request for payment is not enforceable, with Labor free to ignore the $4,000–$5,000 charge.
Metro drivers told to hide money when within Glenorchy bus mall
Tasmania Police alleges youths have stolen coins and damaged a window with an emergency hammer in multiple incidents aboard Hobart buses. Bus operator Metro has instructed its drivers to hide coin trays and refuse all fares at the Glenorchy bus mall during specific times. The Rail, Tram and Bus Union says the Tasmanian government has reneged on a promise to introduce transit officers on buses, and wants driver safety to be a top priority.
Calvary maternity services hiring midwives as solution to Hobart Private Hospital Healthscope exit from maternity
A plan to save private maternity services in southern Tasmania is underway after their future was thrown into doubt in February. On June 10, a consortium of health organisations began the 11-week transition, which will increase Calvary Lenah Valley Hospital's annual birthing capacity from 350 beds to 900. The increase is aimed at allowing the hospital to gradually absorb a shortfall in maternity beds left by Hobart Private Hospital, which will close its maternity services on August 20.
Queensland couple thought to be missing in Tasmania after failing to board flight home to Brisbane
Police are searching for a Queensland couple who did not board their flight home to Brisbane from Tasmania, where they had been on holiday. Leannedra Kang and Takahiro Toya, both in their 20s, were due to leave Tasmania on Wednesday, but did not board their flight from Launceston, or return their rental car. Ms Kang's sister, Cassandra Kang, said her family was worried. "My parents are actually flying into Tasmania to see if they can do anything.
Tasmanian government to introduce "enabling legislation" to pave way for Macquarie Point Stadium
The Tasmanian Government has confirmed it will introduce legislation to push the Macquarie Point AFL stadium forwards, bypassing the planning process already underway. The roofed stadium is a requirement for Tasmania to be granted its own AFL team but the project has faced considerable backlash, with a draft report handed down by the Tasmanian Planning Commission in March describing it as "overbearing" and arguing it risks Tasmania's credit rating.
Lachlan Ford - ABC News
The last decade has seen drones with high definition cameras move from futuristic devices to a tool in many a photographer's arsenal. But after reports of amateur drone pilots taking safety risks at events authorities are reminding all drone users to brush up on the rules to avoid causing a serious accident.
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