Western Downs regional mayor Ray Brown is hoping for some heavy rain in his region of southern Queensland to boost water supplies.

Queensland Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor says domestic and international visitor numbers are expected to improve in 2010.

A DRIVER looking to save a few minutes on their trip nearly lost their life after driving through flashing lights at a level crossing at Grandchester.

A GROUP of thugs threatened a man and his five-year-old daughter who locked themselves in a room during a violent home invasion in Kearneys Spring.

AFTER a terrible year for farmers, the rainfall over the last week seems like a Christmas wish come true.

TOOWOOMBA residents better not get used to the recent downpour across the district.

TWO drunken women woke neighbours after they started fighting in a Harristown street at 5.35am yesterday.

YESTERDAY’S rainy weather was a godsend for Little Legs Play Cafe owner Louise Leggett.

TOOWOOMBA Hospital Foundation CEO Peter Rookas is amazed by the generosity of people after fund-raising targets were exceeded by more than 50 per cent.

GROWCOM chairman John Bishop is hoping for a happier 2010 in the Lockyer Valley horticulture industry after a disappointing 2009 season.

GRAHAM Andrews says the fortune of the Darling Downs cattle industry in 2010 will come down to the value of the Australian dollar and the weather.

AN EXTRA 27 police officers will be on duty in Toowoomba tonight to deal with the unruly New Year’s Eve revellers.

THERE will be no reason to drive to party celebrations tonight with more than 80 cabs available in the city.

A TRIO of teenagers made a trip into Toowoomba yesterday to stock up for their first “legal” New Year’s Eve party.

TONIGHT is a once in a blue moon event – literally.

BEATING the holiday boredom for most youths might usually involve computer games but for a group of nearly 20 students it was all about film-making.

TOOWOOMBA tow truck driver Kim O’Mara is worried for people who break down beyond the city limits during the busy holiday season.

PLANS are finalised and building just about under way on the Teen Challenge New Life women’s centre.

POST-Christmas bargain hunters were out in force yesterday, causing traffic and parking headaches across the central business district.

TOOWOOMBA readers are most fascinated by crime mysteries and international authors.