FULL SHOW 31st MARCH 2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “FULL SHOW 31st MARCH 2026” inside PodZeus.
Rural Queensland Today delivers a comprehensive and urgent look at the multifaceted challenges facing regional Queensland on the final day of March 2026. Host Ben Dobbin opens with a powerful critique of systemic issues in local governance, focusing on the crushing burden of red tape—particularly in gravel pit development and fuel policy—highlighting how bureaucratic delays and rising compliance costs are crippling regional economies. The show features candid interviews with key figures, including Zorro, Mayor of Merleyshire and chair of Outback Queensland Tourism, who details the cascading impact of the federal fuel excise cut, the postponement of the Big Red Bash, and the looming crisis for the regional tech hub due to uncommitted $2 million annual funding. The episode also turns to moments of hope, spotlighting the Queensland Philanthropy Awards and the vital work of Queensland Gives, which seeks to celebrate unsung acts of generosity across the state. Tragedy interrupts the broadcast with news of AgForce councillor Ian Burnett’s fatal farm accident, underscoring the risks faced by rural communities. The show closes with positive momentum around the Queensland Rugby League’s decision to bring fan days to regional centers like Harvey Bay and Rockhampton, reinforcing the importance of connecting elite sport to its grassroots roots. Throughout, the tone is one of resilience, frustration, and quiet determination to fight for regional equity.
Red tape in local government—especially around gravel pits and land use—is crippling regional development and needs urgent reform.
The federal fuel excise cut, while well-intentioned, was poorly timed and may trigger inflation and interest rate hikes, worsening regional hardship.
The regional tech hub, a vital resource for digital inclusion, faces closure due to lack of government funding commitment despite proven impact.
The postponement of the Big Red Bash and other tourism events is compounding economic strain in remote communities.
Philanthropy in Queensland is powerful and widespread, but under-recognized—nominations for the Queensland Philanthropy Awards are open until April 11.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Fuel Crisis, Red Tape, and the Big Red Bash Postponement
“It's going to have ramifications. Everything is made with fuel. So Prime Minister, if you're going to do something, you need to do it now and we're going to find out how good you guys really are.”
The Regional Tech Hub at Risk
“$2 million, Dobbo, they'd waste more than that in Parliament. Oh, mate, it's embarrassing. It's embarrassing. It's just absolutely embarrassing what's going on.”
Celebrating Philanthropy in Queensland
“Just being nominated in this award really makes the rest of Queensland a winner.”
Tragedy and Resilience: The Loss of Councillor Ian Burnett
The broadcast is interrupted by the tragic death of AgForce Central Queensland councillor Ian Burnett and his seven-year-old grandson in a farm accident. The hosts express deep sorrow, honoring Burnett’s contributions to agriculture and the broader rural community, while underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by those in regional Queensland.
Queensland Rugby League’s Regional Fan Days and Electoral Reform Fight
“If it ain't broke, then we don't need to fix it. And that's exactly what the case is in relation to this matter.”
“$2 million, Dobbo, they'd waste more than that in Parliament. Oh, mate, it's embarrassing. It's embarrassing. It's just absolutely embarrassing what's going on.”
“It's going to have ramifications. Everything is made with fuel. So Prime Minister, if you're going to do something, you need to do it now and we're going to find out how good you guys really are.”
“If it ain't broke, then we don't need to fix it. And that's exactly what the case is in relation to this matter.”
Host
Guests
Ben Dobbin
person
Zorro
person
Tara Castle
person
Regional Tech Hub
organization
Queensland Rugby League
organization
Outback Queensland Tourism
organization
Barry Hughes
person
Queensland Gives
organization
Ben Eichen
person
Clydesdales
organization
SENATOR SUSAN MCDOAND - Part 2
Rural Queensland Today with Ben Dobbin • 11m • 4/7/2026
FULL SHOW 2nd APRIL 2026
Rural Queensland Today with Ben Dobbin • 36m • 4/7/2026
Sean Dillon, Gregory MP – Fuel crisis (26 March)
Rural Queensland Today with Ben Dobbin • 10m • 4/7/2026
Sen Susan McDonald – PM’s address, and the fuel crisis (2 April)
Rural Queensland Today with Ben Dobbin • 10m • 4/7/2026
FULL SHOW 1st APRIL 2026
Rural Queensland Today with Ben Dobbin • 37m • 4/7/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “FULL SHOW 31st MARCH 2026” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime