The Latest Breaking News from Dale Last

Environmentalists have called a state government's decision to create nine new gas exploration sites deceitful, as an east coast energy shortage looms.

Counselling has been offered to workers "traumatised" by an underground fire that has cast uncertainty over the future of a major coal mine.

Three members of one family were shot dead by a neighbour over a property dispute, police allege. As the sole survivor recovers, new details have emerged about the day they were killed and their life on the land.

Complete with colourfully patterned carpet, a cushioned seat and city views, the secret spa remains under lock and key on the premier's level of the 24-storey parliamentary annexe that's set for a $41 million refurbishment.

The damage bill from a spate of shop break-ins in Hervey Bay is almost $400,000, according to a small business owner preparing to set up an action committee to call for more police resources.

Queensland police are being kept off the frontline due to ongoing capacity issues in emergency departments at the state's hospitals, a union says.