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Two poorly placed cacti more than 50 years ago have turned into a full-scale invasion. It's prompting calls for people to dispose of their cacti safely to avoid a very prickly problem.

As north Queenslanders deal with a second flood in as many months, frustrations are growing after the Bruce Highway was again closed today, cutting off Far North residents. The Bruce Highway remained closed on Thursday evening north and south of Ingham, with truck drivers facing lengthy waits to get supplies.

Experts warn that polarisation around renewables is growing and is expected to be an issue for people in regionla Australia during this year's federal election.

Against a backdrop of protests, the Northern Territory government consider a bill that will give sweeping powers to just one person. 

Coverage that provides news and analysis of national issues significant to regional Australians.

Six councils in south-west Queensland have banded together to protest an eye-watering increase in insurance premiums of up to 300 per cent.

The Commonwealth has lost a High Court battle over whether it should be liable for compensation for lost or impaired native title rights over a mining lease on the Gove Peninsula in North East Arnhem Land.

The clean-up has begin in the Lockyer Valley in Queensalnd where residents find themselves in an all-too-familiar flood risk situation.  

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says the post cyclone Alfred cleanup will be the "largest disaster recovery in the city's history". 

For the millions of people in Tropical Cyclone Alfred's firing line, the flurry of preparation and activity this week has become an agonising waiting game.