Last year's whale watching trip showed me just how much the migratory population has grown. 

It was whale soup. They were everywhere you looked and performing at their very best. 

As one of my favourite creatures, I'm always delighted to hear of their recovery from being hunted right up until the late 70s. 

However, with this increase comes the inevitable increase of strandings and entanglements. 

While we had a baby humpback become lodged south of Wathumba Creek on K'gari on Sunday, Sea World Foundation had two separate rescues of whales tangled in crab pot lines. 

Our region owes much to this incredible species, our tourism industry hinges on whale numbers, so I feel it's only right that we nominate ourselves as guardians when needed.

But what do you actually do if you come across a beached whale?

First, call 1300 130 372 and report the stranding location to Queensland Parks and Wildlife. Secondly, while keeping a safe distance from large flukes and pectoral fins, keep sea water up to the mammal. Never touch whales or dolphins as they can contract human viruses. 

Hervey Bay rescuers on Sunday did a fantastic job keeping the baby whale comfortable until the tide returned and he could rejoin his mother. A brilliant community effort that had a happy outcome. 

Peta Johansen

Editor, ABC Wide Bay

Pictured: Chantelle Smith's daughter helps keep the stranded whale calf wet on Sunday. Photo supplied: Chantelle Smith

A volunteer-led rescue for a humpback whale calf off the coast of K'gari (Fraser Island) has raised questions about whether more should be done to increase the public's understanding of whale strandings in Queensland.

An investor survey found delays in connecting large-scale renewable projects to the grid are driving businesses away and slowing the drop in power prices for everyday consumers.

The firing of a cannon has served as a symbol of unity and historical pride for the regional city of Maryborough for nearly 150 years. But a categorisation issue could put the beloved tradition at risk.

Yolŋu hip hop star Baker Boy has claimed several major honours at this year's National Indigenous Music Awards, with duo Birdz and Fred Leone taking home the main prize.

Pet insurance can give you peace of mind but as a "complex financial product", it can be difficult to calculate if it's a worthwhile investment. 

New research on dolphin behaviour: Marine researchers have observed dolphins using shells to catch fish in Queensland waters for the first time. The technique, known as "shelling", involves chasing fish into an empty shell before lifting it above the water to eat the prey. UniSC researchers observed the behaviour in the Great Sandy Strait and also saw a mother dolphin teaching the technique to her calf. Researchers say dolphins were previously thought to learn hunting techniques from their peers rather than their parents.

Photo supplied: UniSC

Arrests after drug operation: Police say a five-month operation has disrupted a drug supply ring in Hervey Bay. Detective Senior Sergeant Mick Polit says 16 people, including two bar managers in Torquay and one in Scarness, have been charged with drug trafficking. Police say officers seized three kilograms of cocaine, five vehicles and $65,000 in cash.

Rail trail proving popular: The Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail Committee says the track is helping revitalise the region. It comes as the community celebrates 100 years since the opening of the Many Peaks to Barrimoon section of the Gladstone Monto Railway Line. The rail trail will be 270 kilometres long when completed. Committee president Desley O'Grady says it is already attracting new businesses in the region, such as a shuttle service.

New youth accommodation on the Fraser Coast: Tenders have been called for the construction of a new youth accommodation centre in Pialba. The Member for Hervey Bay David Lee says the centre will assist 40 at-risk and homeless people aged between 16 and 25. Mr Lee says the Youth Foyers project is part of a plan to tackle homelessness. He says it's an issue in the community.

Help for local beach: Native coastal vegetation has been planted along Bargara Beach as part of sand nourishment works to improve coastal resilience. The plantings will help stabilise the dunes by trapping windblown sand, reducing erosion and supporting natural function. Invasive lantana growing throughout the dunes has also been removed and replaced with native ground covers and coastal shrubs. The Bundaberg Regional Council is asking people to respect temporary fencing around the revegetated dunes while the new plants become established.

Upgrade for damaged grandstand: A $1.6 million restoration to Gympie's Albert Park grandstand has opened to the public. The structure was significantly damaged in the 2022 floods and has been closed since. Works include structural upgrades as well as new paths and repairs to timber seating, flooring and balustrades. Mayor Glen Hartwig says it's an important investment into sporting infrastructure and the region's sporting heritage.