News Ticker
Jennifer Nichols
Maroochydore, QLD
A born and bred local, Jen's family settled on the shores of the Maroochy River in the 1800s. Her extensive career includes 20 years at Channel 7 locally and interstate, until the lure of the coast drew her home. The rural reporter gig is her dream job and away from work she's indulging in photography, her dogs and the beach.
Latest by Jennifer Nichols
Real estate boom for 'vibrant, buzzing' little South Burnett town
A small town in the centre of Queensland's South Burnett wine region is enjoying an economic revival and tranquil lifestyle for residents.
Sales of invasive, illegal plants online are growing — and buying them could cost you
Authorities urge consumers to do their homework to ensure the seeds and plants they are buying or selling are not on the prohibited list, as ignorance will be no protection against hefty fines.
Owner of some of Australia's biggest dairy brands fined $950k over treatment of farmers
It is the first time the ACCC has fought a dairy company in court over bargaining power imbalances.
Man charged with armed robbery after three people killed in Bruce Highway crash south of Gympie
Three people were killed in the crash after an Isuzu, which police alleged was stolen at knifepoint, was seen chasing and ramming another vehicle onto the wrong side of the highway.
Waste-busting businesses find ways to save surplus Australian fruit from being dumped
An increasing number of businesses are using fruit that would otherwise be dumped, with one retailer attaching EFTPOS facilities to his honesty boxes.
Ancient enemy unleashed against one of Australia's worst aquatic weeds
A weevil smaller than a grain of rice has been released into waterways infested with cabomba weed, a South American plant that has been wreaking havoc in several states and territories.
Passionfruit growers in a race against time to ensure fruit's future in Australia
Australia's passionfruit farmers have a problem — no matter how well they care for their vines, yields of the delicious fruit are declining. But a solution could be on the horizon.
Parasitic roundworm discovery boosts biological battle against tree-killing wasp
Scientists find a new biocontrol measure to fight the destructive Sirex wasp, that attacks the softwood pine trees we rely on to build our homes and furniture.
Fishers 'gobsmacked' by record-breaking haul of illegal crab pots
A total of 195 "ghost" pots have been pulled from a south-east Queensland waterway, in a three-day clean-up operation by marine park rangers and fisheries officers.
Prawn farmers fired up over disease risk after biosecurity review fails to deliver raw prawn import bans
The federal government is under fire, accused of failing Australian prawn farmers, who warn it is a matter of “not if but when” more devastating crustacean diseases enter the country, potentially spreading to lobsters.
A Queensland lime could save the world's citrus fruits — and make orange juice cheaper
Researchers say native limes from Gympie could hold the cure for a devastating citrus disease that has killed crops and sent orange juice prices soaring worldwide.
Why decadent gourmet cheese seems immune to cost-of-living pressures
Artisan cheesemakers say sales of gourmet cheese are defying cost-of-living pressures as more people enjoy little indulgences at home instead of eating out.
Here's why it's important to buy Australian honey
On World Bee Day, honey lovers are being urged to reject cheaper imports and support a local industry fighting to stay ahead of varroa mite.
Quota cuts saved Australia's spanner crab fishery, now live exports could resume to China
Australia's largest spanner crab fishing company hopes to be sending live catches to China within weeks, as work continues to ease tensions between the countries.
This historic boathouse is a photographer's dream but it nearly ended up in the river
A Sunshine Coast couple battles time, tide, and flooding to save an old timber boathouse and tourist drawcard from ruin.
How a tree that causes excruciating pain could provide promise for chronic pain sufferers
The agony caused by brushing against the notorious Gympie-Gympie tree can last for months, but researchers think its toxins may one day provide relief to chronic pain sufferers.
Eat our native nut and help growers survive a global macadamia glut
Macadamias in products with chocolate, confectionery, in health foods and cooking oils, will be cheaper as a global glut caused by lockdowns and increased plantings send farmgate prices tumbling.
Bee breeders reveal secret to crowning queens in highly sought venture
Queen bees are not born to rule but instead have their destiny determined by diet.
This expert's advice could help prevent water toxicity that can kill livestock in minutes
When the water in dams and rivers turns toxic enough to kill cattle, Dr Larelle Fabbro is one of the experts that traumatised people call, searching for answers.
Consumers could pay more for strawberries as half a million young plants die mysteriously
Strawberry farmers count the cost of losing half a million young strawberry plants soon after they were purchased and planted.
Why beekeepers need to report varroa mite surveillance results
The Queensland Beekeepers' Association warns the future could be "catastrophic" for Australia's multi-billion-dollar honey industry unless all apiarists take part in a national biosecurity blitz.
How a nine-week ride on horseback will help Kylie raise money for mental health support
Kylie Read admits she is not really into riding horses, but there is a good reason why the equine therapy expert will be seated in a saddle for nine bum-bruising weeks.
Circular saw-wielding robot starts work at Queensland abattoir
The dangerous, highly skilled job of cutting through heavy, hanging cattle carcases could be automated if a trial at a Queensland abattoir is a success.
Electrifying his classic 1967 Kombi cost Noah about $70k. He doesn't regret one cent
From classic cars to 4WD utes, Noah Wasmer wants EV conversions to become mainstream.
Why these ghostly white rainbows known as 'fogbows' are such a treat to spot in Australia
Marlene Pointon is still pinching herself at the sheer joy of being in the right place at the right time to spot a fogbow and capture the fascinating phenomenon on camera.