A decision to 'cash in' renewable energy credits has divided Cairns Regional Councillors. Mayor Amy Eden says it will put more money back into the community, but others argue the decision could see carbon emissions soar. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

Residents of a Far North retirement village are calling on Council to reconsider rate increases. They say it will just add to already high day to day expenses and be even harder for those on a pension trying to make ends meet. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

There's a dream opportunity on offer, to swap your desk for a hammock and keep an eye on the sunset. You need to be 18 or over for a four day getaway - to help kickstart a new app. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

Universities, businesses and international students have gathered in Cairns for the Global Talent Symposium. Organisers are hoping the landmark event will connect more job-ready students to industries that need them most. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

The Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union has launched a state-wide ad campaign, in a fight for better wages. They're asking locals to support their cause, saying "better pay isn't just fair-it saves lives." 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

Good news for coffee drinkers - a new speciality coffee plant is being trialed in the Far North. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

It's been six months since the LNP ramped up its youth crime laws, but the opposition is claiming offences are still on the rise. It comes as more than 140 people have been charged in the Far North in the latest State Flying Squad. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

A new aviation course is launching in Cairns, offering secondary students the chance to take their education "sky high". Organises say it'll help more kids find employment in the growing local industry. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

The state government has revealed next week's state budget will include funding for a new Barron River Bridge. Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg says it will be finished by 2031, but the Opposition leader has his doubts. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

Cairns Hospital staff are set to receive a new designated car parking area in just under two weeks. The hospital's CEO says it's a "temporary solution" to fix a growing challenge for commuters. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

Heavyweights of the global sugar industry have landed in Queensland for the World Association of Beet and Cane Growers Conference. Day one saw producers from 18 countries discuss the challenges facing the industry. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

Police and Queensland Health officials have been allegedly locked inside a CBD tobacconist during an inspection. The man allegedly responsible has been charged with seven counts of deprivation of liberty and was released on bail today. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

Tourism operators are gearing up for a busy few weeks as last minute bookings roll in for the winter school holidays. Police are also ramping up road safety efforts, with more families set to drive to their destinations. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

The Opposition has taken a swipe at the State Government for failing to fund free tafe courses for Queenslanders. It says this year's places are 'fully exhausted' and there's been no mention of extending the program in the budget. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

The Treasurer was in Cairns today to break down the budget with local leaders. While funding for housing and apprenticeships was welcomed, they say critical infrastructure projects have been left in the lurch. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

The Cairns Wake Park is gearing up to host Australia's biggest winter cable wakeboard competition. More than 100 riders from around the globe are expected to hit the water for the "Winter Wonderland". 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

Police are investigating after a car ploughed through the front of a CBD shopping centre during the lunch time school holiday rush. A man in his 60's remains in a serious condition in hospital. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

The opposition has called out the state government, claiming it's slashed millions of dollars from a critical employment initiative. Labor says without the 'Back To Work' program, thousands of Queenslanders will struggle to find a job. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

The week-long inquest into the death of a teenager in a car crash three years ago, has wrapped up today. Two witnesses took the stand and a victim statement from one of Bradley Smith's family members was read out. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

It was all about thrills on the second day of the Cairns Show. Sideshow alley was packed, with a new multi-million-dollar, gravity-defying attraction a major draw card. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS