Footy-mad fans have snapped up nearly every hotel room in Townsville as the city kicks into “overdrive” to host next week’s historic State of Origin blockbuster.

Childcare centres and schools should not be “nut-free” and should avoid blanket bans of food allergens, international experts have advised.

Top educators are pleading for an end to political games over quarantine, calling for a concrete plan to allow international students to return before they and billions of dollars in economic benefits are snapped up by overseas competitors.

And the search will continue on Tuesday for missing paddler Jordan Kelly after his surf ski was found washed up on Moreton Island yesterday.

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