☔️ BOM officially announces La Niña "watch" | GC's whitespot outbreak saga | Local Lions Club celebrates 40 years | Epic Aurora shots | Broady building sells for $10.8m and more!
Volume 63: Today’s newsletter is 1,196 words, a 4.5-minute read.
Welcome to May 16!
In today's email
One Big Thing: GC’s white spot outbreak saga creates potential budget black hole
Lions Club of Mudgeeraba celebrates: 40 years of community service
Light up or get left in the dark: QLD drivers urged to prioritise vehicle checks
Trending: Unhinged cooker in Varsity Lakes
Around The Web (Snippets): BOM officially announces La Niña "watch", NASA’s moon train project, Wahoo’s close as Burleigh, Epic solar storm shots, iconic Broadbeach building sells for $10.8m and more!
Councillors’ Corner
Upcoming Events
Weekend Weather and Surf
Live Gold Coast Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: GC’s white spot outbreak saga creates potential budget black hole
By Marshall Hall
What’s Happening
The Federal Government faces potential budget shortfalls due to legal challenges from the 2016 white spot outbreak in the Gold Coast, devastating the prawn industry.
Why It Matters
These claims could lead to significant financial impacts, underscoring the importance of effective biosecurity measures.
By the Numbers
Three legal challenges related to the 2016 outbreak.
Local Impact
The outbreak severely affected the Logan River prawn industry, impacting local fishers, handlers, and wholesalers.
Claims involve Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture, Tweed Bait, and M&G Oyster Supplies.
What The People Say
Gold Coast Marine Aquaculture claims government actions caused significant losses.
What To Look For Next
The full article, here, or at the bottom, below.
2. The Lions Club of Mudgeeraba celebrates 40 years of community service
By Courtney Mulder
The year is 1984.
Bob Hawke is the Prime Minister, the one-dollar coin was introduced in Australia, and the Lions Club of Mudgeeraba Inc. was born.
What’s Happening
The Lions Club of Mudgeeraba celebrates its 40th anniversary, an incredible milestone marking four decades of significant community service and support.
Why It Matters
The club has been pivotal in assisting countless individuals and families in the Gold Coast hinterland, showcasing the impact of community-driven initiatives.
By the Numbers
Founded in 1984, originally with 20 members.
Helped numerous initiatives, from domestic violence relief to disaster aid.
Organised countless BBQs and donation drives over the years.
Local Impact
Their support bags for women escaping domestic violence have profoundly impacted the Gold Coast community.
Roaring Past 40 Into The Future
The club aims to continue its legacy of service, with ongoing and new projects.
What The People Say
"It’s easier to help people in need if you are part of a group," says Club Secretary Sharon McDonald. "I hope our club continues to help people for many more years."
What To Look For Next
To celebrate the 40-year milestone, the Mudgeeraba Lions are hosting an anniversary dinner at the Wallaby Hotel on May 22 from 6 pm, with a fun 1980s theme.
If you’ve been thinking of getting involved, get in touch here.
3. Light up or get left in the dark - QLD drivers urged to prioritise vehicle checks
What’s Happening
As winter nears and days shorten, Queensland drivers are urged to prioritise vehicle lighting checks following ASAP Roadworthys reporting an alarming rise in failed safety inspections due to faulty exterior lights.
Why It Matters
Proper vehicle lighting is crucial for road safety during winter’s prolonged darkness.
Ignoring lighting checks endangers everyone on the road.
By the Numbers
Nearly 50% of recent failed safety inspections were due to faulty exterior lighting.
20.19% of vehicles failed inspections for lighting issues in Q1 2024, a 6.4% increase from last year.
Local Impact
On the Gold Coast, where scenic drives and long, traffic-jammed commutes are everyday, functional vehicle lights are essential for safety.
Bright Idea for a Safer Future
Ensuring all vehicle lights work correctly can significantly reduce accident risks during winter’s longer nights.
What The People Say
"In the past month, nearly half of all failed safety certificate inspections were attributed to issues with exterior lighting," cautioned Arzu Subritzky, National Manager of ASAP Roadworthys.
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4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
The Bureau Of Meteorology has officially declared a: La Niña "watch", reflecting an increased chance of the major climate driver that brought floods to eastern Australia in 2021 and 2022
NASA is planning to build a: Levitating robot train on the moon
Much-loved Wahoo's in Burleigh has: Closed its doors after 22 years in business
Helensvale firm loses financial licence: Following ASICS concerns about the company
Epic Aurora shots from this week’s: Solar storm activity
New Gold Coast partnerships between: The Pacific Airshow, GC Airport and Webjet have been announced
Mudgeeraba Parkrun supports: DV prevention month, partnering with ‘Creating a Safe and Respectful Hinterland’
GC’s Fifita, theory emerges as heavy claims: Roosters dodged a bullet
A new world record was set for: The World's biggest ski jump
Australia's biggest beach party has been claimed: By event promoter TEG thanks to the 30,000 fans that attended Fisher's inaugural Out 2 Lunch Festival on Coolangatta Beach
The 2024 Federal Budget was announced and: Here’s what it means for you
A local Emergency Care Research Symposium will: Showcase top Gold Coast Health emergency research next month
King Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Australia and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, had: His first official portrait painted 👇
6. Councillors’ Corner
Div 6 | Ashmore, Benowa, Bundall, Southport | Cr Brooke Patterson
Div 9 | Mudgeeraba, Springbrook, Reedy Creek +10 | Cr Glenn Tozer
7. Upcoming Events
🤸🏻♀️ Australian Gymnastics Championships: May 16 to May 22; athletes prepare for their campaigns in Paris for the 2024 Olympics at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre
🎵 Blues on Broadbeach: May 16 to May 22; over 60 artists performing across various stages, venues and parks of Broadbeach
🎭 Dogfight the Musical: May 16 from 7:30 pm to 10 pm; a musical based on the movie starring River Phoenix at The Spotlight Theatre
🌊 Australian Watercross Nationals: May 18 to May 19; Australia's top riders compete for the coveted number one title at Broadwater Parklands
🥂 Behind the Mask Charity Gala: May 18 from 6 pm onwards; live auctions, raffles, and live entertainment at Lakeside Ballroom, HOTA
🚚 Monster Machinery Day: May 19 from 9 am onwards; 50+ machines (think trucks, tractors and tippers!) on display, live machinery demonstrations, food trucks at The Great & Southern Lawns
🎉 Mudgeeraba Street Party and Parade: May 19 from 10 to 2 pm; face painting, a petting zoo, live music, and a free native tree giveaway from the City of Gold Coast at The Village Green
📣 Gold Coast Titans Netball vs Sunshine Coast Thunder Netball Game: May 19 from 2 pm onwards; Round 5 at the Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium
🗒️ ASMEX Conference: May 20 to May 22; 3-day conference including a speaker program, Gold Coast facilities tour and the Australian Marine Industry Awards Dinner at Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort