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Tobi Loftus
Toowoomba, QLD
Tobi Loftus is a journalist who has worked across print and online media since 2016. He has worked all over regional Queensland including in Mundubbera, Kingaroy and Toowoomba. He joined the ABC in 2020, joining the ABC Tropical North newsroom in Mackay, before moving to Gladstone for ABC Capricornia in 2022. He recently returned to Toowoomba where he is now working for ABC Southern Queensland. You can follow him on various social media platforms by searching @tobiloftus.
Latest by Tobi Loftus
Mayor calls for better monitoring after 'surprise' flooding prompts evacuations in Queensland town
Twenty-nine people needed to be evacuated from Warra this week after water from three creeks converged on the south-west Queensland town, with the local mayor now calling for a better monitoring system for overland flows.
Mum wades into snake nightmare as she and son try to save chickens from floodwater
Michelle McKenzie realised she was not alone in the waist-deep water that was rising through her Laidley chook pen, counting 16 snakes trying to escape the water around her home.
As another school year begins, what does the future hold for the class of 2023?
As another school year begins, the ABC speaks to 10 recent high school graduates from all over country Australia about their hopes, dreams and fears for the future.
The $980 million flood catastrophe that changed Brisbane forever
As a cyclone hovers menacingly off the Queensland Coast, the lessons learned five decades ago, again in 2011 and more recently in 2022 may be put to the test.
'I have no-one to help me': Far North Queenslanders facing mammoth flood clean-up
When Suzan's insurance company told her earlier this year her annual premium was going up by $7,000, she switched providers. Under the new insurer, she doesn't have specific flood cover.
Homes, cars lost but 'the love is here' for Christmas Day, says Cairns flood victim
Christmas spirit has a whole new meaning to Cairns residents, who after a week of enduring devastation, have started to smile again.
John's home is a mess from the Cairns flood but he won't let it ruin Christmas for daughter Alexa
Families in flooded Far North Queensland are getting ready to celebrate the festive season today. The tourism industry is hoping for a Christmas miracle.
This remote pub has survived 148 years, but floods have thrown it a new challenge
From heroic helicopter and tinny rescues to shocking damage and crocodiles in town, the Far North Queensland flood disaster shows life there at its best and worst.
After a week of devastation, residents in Far North Queensland have a reason to smile
Riah Holland has still been coming to terms with the heartbreaking loss of her precious family photos and heirlooms.
Further recovery support announced for Far North Queensland as Kowanyama braces for floods
"Significant additional support" will be rolled out for those affected by flooding in Far North Queensland, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets with emergency service workers and volunteers.
'Intense rainfall' to ease as defence force deployed to rescue stranded residents in flooded Far North Queensland — as it happened
The Bureau of Meteorology says rainfall has been easing around Cairns but the emergency continues for already-waterlogged areas of Queensland's Far North.
Local council gives every household a free leg of ham for Christmas after difficult year
Roads, rates and rubbish are generally the cornerstone of local government, but the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council in Queensland has added ham deliveries to its operations to bring some much-needed cheer.
Matthew Arnold was killed one year ago today at Wieambilla. For his family, a 'bigger than life hole' remains in their hearts
Matthew Arnold was killed alongside colleague Rachel McCrow and local man Alan Dare one year ago today. His family says the date is a "day our family will never forget".
'Tears of joy' after controversial highway project set to affect 81 homes scrapped
The Queensland government received more than 4,000 submissions after unveiling a proposal for the 54km project around Toowoomba in July. Now it's been canned.
Drones flying blood tests between regional hospitals in 'game changing' development for Queensland health care
In what is believed to be a Queensland first for public hospitals, drones are delivering blood tests and other healthcare items to speed up testing and analysis, and cut travel demands on staff.
Landslide, rising rivers as Victoria battens down while NSW, Qld towns count cost of deluge
Flood threats remain in parts of the NSW south-east hammered by a severe weather system now moving into Victoria, where days of heavy rain is expected.
Lawn bowlers fear 2032 Olympics will force out century-old clubs
Works for the Olympics have already claimed a historic school in Brisbane. Now some residents in regional Queensland are anxious their beloved 123-year-old sports club is under threat.
Mum who was stranded on one of Australia's 'worst roads' says she wants it, and others, fixed
Whenever it rains, the black soil dirt track that leads to Mikaela Smith's home turns into a mud pit, bogging even the best four-wheel drives.
'Cold-blooded' killer to remain behind bars after losing parole appeal bid
Anthony Rowlingson, who shot dead his brother in 2007, has failed in a last-ditch bid for freedom after his application was dismissed by Queensland's highest court.
Teens charged with attempted murder after alleged violent home invasion, attempted carjacking
Two teenagers have faced court charged with attempted murder after an alleged home invasion in Toowoomba last month where they allegedly attacked a man with a tomahawk, and an alleged attempted car jacking three weeks later.
Three dead after firefighting plane crashes in outback Queensland
Queensland's fire service has offered its deepest condolences to the families of those onboard, and confirmed the aircraft had been contracted to support the Queensland bushfire response.
Johann woke to kelpie Mickey barking at something outside. He took this photo then fled for his life
More than 300 people were forced to evacuate when a huge fire ripped through dozens of homes in the southern Queensland community of Tara. Now the residents are coming to grips with the devastation while looking to the future.
'My house is pretty much flat': Tara mum 'numb' after home destroyed by bushfires
Bushfires continue to burn across southern Queensland with 32 homes and more than a dozen other structures destroyed with multiple new fires ignited after storm activity overnight.
'Really dangerous': Fire bans for large parts of Queensland as bushfires continue to burn
Fire bans are in place across 11 southern Queensland council areas, as large bushfires threaten central parts of the state.
In the parts of Queensland where the No vote was strongest, voters reflect on the referendum
Not a single Queensland electorate outside of the state's south-east voted to support the referendum, and the firmest of those against it all fall within Queensland. We ask voters why.