⏳Daylight Saving Discord | GC Expands Green Portfolio | eBays Drones To Ride Trams? | NRLW Gold Coast Titans GF and more!
⏳Daylight Saving Discord | GC Expands Green Portfolio | eBays Drones To Ride Trams? | NRLW Gold Coast Titans GF and more!
Today’s newsletter is 1,312 words: 5 minute read.
Happy Thursday, 28 September!
And a massive good luck to the Gold Coast Titans heading into the NRLW Grand Final this weekend!
#ytg 💪
In today’s email
Daylight Saving Is Back 1 October: And a look at the discord that comes
GC Expands Green Portfolio: Acquiring a large parcel of new land
eBay’s Drones: Are planning to take public transport (trams?)
Trending: Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid, just learned new things
Around The Web (Snippets): Palm Beach pool takes shape, Meta’s AI chatbot announcement, Fuel prices surge, an empty Jewel in a housing crisis and more!
Councillor’s Corner
Upcoming events
Referral Program
GC Weekend Weather and Surf
Live Gold Coast Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Daylight Discord Is Back
What’s Happening?
Just over the border, Daylight Saving Time is back and begins at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in October (this Sunday) when clocks are put forward one hour.
Why It Matters
Daylight saving is here for some but not for others (which, of course, we all know..), causing economic disarray for the most part and, in some cases, raising serious health concerns.
Overall, it has been found to benefit the economy by reducing street crime and, hence, policing costs, lowering household energy bills, and boosting local businesses due to increased activity synchronising to other major economic areas (i.e. Sydney and Melbourne).
These advantages contribute to the ongoing debate about adopting daylight saving in places like Queensland and Western Australia.
In the meantime, it leads to a confusing inter-state patchwork of coordination in a city that doesn’t have it that borders a state that does.
Did you know
We have the third most time zones as a country (behind France and Russia).
There are nine different time zones on the mainland if you consider standard time and daylight saving time separately.
They are:
Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) - UTC+10
Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) - UTC+11
Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) - UTC+9:30
Australian Central Daylight Time (ACDT) - UTC+10:30
Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) - UTC+8
Australian Central Western Standard Time (ACWST) - UTC+8:45 (Unofficial)
Lord Howe Standard Time (LHST) - UTC+10:30
Lord Howe Daylight Time (LHDT) - UTC+11
Norfolk Island Time (NFT) - UTC+11 (changed to mainland time)
Offshore and Antarctic include:
Norfolk Island Time (NFT) - UTC+11, Observes Daylight Saving (UTC+11:30)
Christmas Island Time (CXT) - UTC+7
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Time (CCT) - UTC+6:30
Macquarie Island - UTC+11
Casey Time - UTC+8 (Australian Antarctic Territory)
Davis Time - UTC+7 (Australian Antarctic Territory)
Mawson Time - UTC+5 (Australian Antarctic Territory)
Zoom In
Despite the benefits, studies point to significant issues tied to these temporal inconsistencies.
A U.S. study found that pedestrians are nearly seven times more likely to be injured post-daylight saving transition.
Meanwhile, a Griffith University study highlighted that Gold Coast businesses face lost sales and higher administrative costs due to the chaotic time zones.
The Big Picture
It’s pretty simple.
Due to Queensland's lack of daylight saving, the Gold Coast experiences a two-hour time difference between Sydney and Melbourne for part of the year.
This mismatch can lead to daily business inefficiencies, as Gold Coast companies lose two synchronised business hours with Australia's most significant economic hubs.
The time discrepancy could translate to delayed communications, disrupted schedules, and lost opportunities for real-time collaboration.
What the People Say
Sleep and health experts are concerned.
Dr. Gorica Micic suggests adjusting sleep schedules in advance for a smoother transition.
Professor Leon Lack warns that inconsistent sleep could intensify the dreaded "Monday morning ‘blues’."
What To Look For Next
A whole bunch of late and early people next week, especially after a big grand final weekend.
2. Land Grab Gold Coasters Can Be Proud Of
Forget seafront properties; the hottest real estate on the Gold Coast is swathed in green and buzzing with wildlife.
What’s Happening?
The City of Gold Coast has expanded its green portfolio, taking a novel approach this time with a 'part-acquisition' strategy.
Why It Matters
This purchase isn’t just for the birds (and koalas); it’s a strategic investment for the future of the Gold Coast community.
Zoom In
9.95 hectares acquired in Tallebudgera Valley for $800,000 (despite our writers not being able to even buy 1,000 sqm for under $1m 🙃)
Fourth acquisition in less than two years, part of the Natural Areas Acquisition Program
Specifically chosen for its linkage to the Burleigh to Springbrook critical corridor
More than $48.6 million has been invested since 1999 for over 4430 hectares of land
Previous purchases include 19 hectares in Pimpama for $4.15 million and 37.5 hectares in Tallebudgera for $2.2 million
The land contains significant vegetation, priority species habitat, and mapped koala habitat
The Big Picture
This acquisition is not a flash-in-the-pan but an ongoing strategy.
It’s one stitch in the greater fabric of the 'Our Natural City Strategy 2032.'
What the People Say
Mayor Tom Tate states, “This acquisition ensures we continue to help provide safer pathways for wildlife and long-term viability."
"A step forward in commitment to native wildlife."
"Restoring natural vegetation and eradicating weeds for habitat restoration."
What To Look For Next
As the city aims to restore natural vegetation further and ramp up habitat conservation, it is expected to keep its eyes peeled for more of these environmental 'pinch points.'
As Australia’s most unique and biodiverse City, as locals, it's not just property prices people should be excited about.
But also the sustainable legacy we’re leaving for the next generation that hopes to preserve a bit of the feeling from the image at the beginning of this article.
3. eBay's Drones Want To Catch The Tram
What’s Happening?
In a futuristic pivot, eBay has filed a patent to make its delivery drones public transport savvy.
In short, eBay aims to innovate package delivery by employing drones that utilise public transport.
The patented system will match delivery locations with public transport routes.
Drones will 'hitch a ride' to improve battery efficiency and extend their reach.
Why It Matters
A marriage of drones and public transit could make "last-mile" deliveries more efficient, expanding eCommerce even to remote areas.
Zoom In
A survey by Auterion shows that 58% of U.S. consumers favour drone deliveries.
However, a McKinsey study reveals only 17% would pay extra for faster drone service.
The Big Picture
This isn't just a tech pipe dream.
Given the growing number of drone deliveries worldwide (even on the northern Gold Coast), integrating drones with public transport could be closer than we think.
What the People Say
eBay’s then-CEO John Donahue in 2013 derided drone delivery as "long-term fantasies."
However, current sentiments suggest eBay is now eager to read the 'tea leaves,' perhaps with a bit more clairvoyance.
What To Look For Next
With the patent submitted overseas, to begin with, eBay is setting the stage for a future where your eBay packages may arrive mostly by Gold Coast tram….
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Meta Announces: AI chatbots with personality that know about holidays and cooking
Local Tourism: Figures are back on track, up 33 per cent year-on-year, but are still down 11 per cent on 2019 levels
Fuel Prices Drove Inflation: Last month, jumping 13.9% in the biggest annual rise since November 2022 may trigger another rate hike
The most expensive high-rise development in Queensland's history: Remains empty three years after completion despite housing crisis
Popular Palm Beach: Lifestyle precinct taking shape 👇
Councillors’ Corner
Div 3 | Coomera and Wongawallan | Cr Donna Gates (Deputy Mayor):
Div 6 | Southport | Cr Brooke Patterson:
Upcoming Events
Gold Coast Flathead Classic: September 26-29 with over $400,000 in prizes
Titans in the NRLW Grand Final: 1 October, Gold Coast Titans vs. Newcastle Knights 3:55 pm
World Title Boxing Blockbuster: 15 October, Tim Tszyu is back for more
GC 500 Supercars: 27-29 October with tickets and details here
Shop Local and Win Competition: With $5,000 worth of prizes each month from September to November 2023 with Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3.
Referral Program
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Ts and Cs
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