GC's worst environmental disaster in history | Jail-time for dangerous dog owners | ANZAC Day services | Meta's AI, you can't opt-out | Mudgeeraba Village Arts and Crafts Collective update and more!
GC's worst environmental disaster in history | Jail-time for dangerous dog owners | ANZAC Day services | Meta's AI, you can't opt-out | Mudgeeraba Village Arts and Crafts Collective update and more!
Volume 60: Today’s newsletter is 1,344 words, a 7-minute read.
Welcome to April 24, Wednesday (for the first time instead of a Thursday because of the public holiday)
ANZAC Day greets us once again, tomorrow, in what will be 109 years since Gallipoli.
Here’s to forever honouring and remembering the men and women who served and continue to serve and do us so proud.
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
In today’s email
One Big Thing: The GC's worst environmental disaster in history
New jail-time laws for QLD dangerous dog owners: And massive fines
Operation Whiskey Legion: Expands to the Gold Coast
Mudgeeraba Village Arts and Crafts Collective: Bids farewell to current location
Trending: Boston Dynamic’s new humanoid robot just released
Around The Web (Snippets):
Councillor’s Corner
Upcoming Events
Weekend Weather and Surf
Live Gold Coast Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: GC Reports Worst Environmental Disaster in History
By Marshall Hall
What’s Happening
A major sewage spill from a ruptured pipe has just been found and has been ongoing for months, flowing into the Albert River and marking a severe environmental crisis for the Gold Coast.
Why It Matters
This incident exposes significant flaws in infrastructure monitoring, raising concerns about ecological and public health impacts following the incident.
By the Numbers
364 million litres of sewage spilled (enough to fill 145 Olympic-sized swimming pools )
Repairs were completed on April 12 after going undetected for months
Local Impact
The spill has compromised water quality and led to advisories against consuming local seafood due to potential health risks.
What To Look For Next
The full article, here.
2. Jailtime for dangerous dog owners and five breeds banned in QLD’s new laws
What’s Happening
Queensland has passed rigorous laws to curb dangerous dog incidents, including hefty fines and breed-specific bans, following public demand for tougher regulations.
Why It Matters
This move underscores a significant shift towards safeguarding communities from dangerous animals and irresponsible dog owners and ensuring more community-minded pet ownership across Queensland.
The Main Changes
$7 million has been committed to enhancing community safety
Fines for failure to take reasonable steps to ensure a dog does not attack doubled to $92,000
Three years jail for the owner of a dog that kills or seriously injures a person, plus $108,000 in fines
These five dog breeds now banned.
Local Impact
Following the recent release of new dog off-leash fines on the Gold Coast, these measures are hopefully on the right track toward decreasing horrific dog attacks, enhancing public safety, and promoting responsible pet care.
Barking Up the Right Policy Tree
The new laws are expected to drive the shift towards heightened accountability among dog owners and more responsible animal management practices.
What The People Say
Mark Furner: "We're tightening the leash on dog ownership to protect Queenslanders, following strong public backing."
What To Look For Next
Keep an eye out for the breeds in the images above, which are now banned in Queensland.
3. GC’s Operation Whiskey Legion Takes Charge
Full article by Marshall Hall
What’s Happening
Operation Whiskey Legion has expanded to the Gold Coast, intensifying police presence to clamp down on high-risk crimes after successful stints in Logan and Ipswich.
Why It Matters
This operation underscores a proactive approach to bolster community safety, strategically targeting prevalent criminal activities.
By the Numbers
357 adults were arrested in the first 10 days.
A total of 643 offences were recorded.
72 juveniles were also detained, contributing to 252 offences.
Local Impact
The initiative promises heightened security across Gold Coast hotspots, including shopping precincts and transport hubs, aiming to deter crime and reassure the community.
Crime Doesn’t Pay
The strategic deployment of specialist police units is set to shift the local crime landscape, aiming for a safer Gold Coast with sustained police visibility and engagement.
What The People Say
Commissioner Steve Gollschewski: "Our mission is clear: target those causing the most harm and enhance safety for every community member."
What To Look For Next
The full article, here.
4. Mudgeeraba Village Arts and Crafts Collective bids farewell to its current locale
Full article here, by Courtney Mulder
What’s Happening
The Mudgeeraba Village Arts and Crafts Collective, a cherished local hub, has been given notice to vacate and will sadly soon close to make way for a new liquor store, ending its nearly two-year tenure.
Why It Matters
This closure signifies a cultural loss for the Mudgeeraba community, removing a beloved space that fostered creativity and local talent.
Local Impact
After two years of operation at the location, the store’s closure will be deeply felt in Mudgeeraba, affecting dozens of artists and patrons who valued its community spirit and unique offerings.
A New Chapter Begins
While the storefront closes, the collective spirit will live on through monthly markets at Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall, offering workshops and local crafts.
What The People Say
Kim Parry, Founder: "We’re evolving, not ending. The new monthly markets will keep our community’s creativity thriving."
What To Look For Next
Watch for the launch of the monthly market on June 9, promising a fresh venue for local artists to showcase their talents.
5. Trending
Boston Dynamics and the release of a new generation of humanoid robots this week…
Got a story? Submit it here 👇
📝 Like your local area and writing about it?
We’re looking for some locals to help cover the:
Coolangatta/Kirra/Elanora/Tallebdugera/Currumbin area
Parkwood/Labrador/Southport area
6. Around The Web (Snippets)
Star Gold Coast’s first female: CEO steps down
Tesla just announced new: Car models ahead of time, setting shares soaring.
Bonza winds back: Gold Coast services after just five months
Grapefruit-sized giant hailstones are: On the rise and becoming more common
A new GC Hospital Shuttle Bus trial has: Begun, starting this week and going for 6 months, transferring eligible patients between facilities and to their homes
Instagram gets AI, and no: You cannot opt-out
Why Jesus never ate: A banana; a super interesting map on the origin of 151 food crops
Double leave at half pay: Could be returning as an option for Aussie workers
Heinemann Australia, with duty-free services on: The Gold Coast, is rebranding to Heineman Oceania
7. Councillors’ Corner
Div 3 | Coomera, Wongawallan, Willowvale +2 | Cr Donna Gates
Div 12 | Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Waters, Miami, Nobby Beach | Cr Nick Marshall
8. Upcoming Events
🇦🇺 ANZAC Day Services: April 25; find an ANZAC Day Service near you
Currumbin RSL Dawn Service: 4 am to 9 am at Elephant Rock
Broadwater Parklands: 5 am to 10 am at Broadwater Parklands
Burleigh Heads Commemoration Services: 10 am to 10:50 am at Memorial Park, Connor Street and Gold Coast Highway
Currumbin RSL Mid-Morning Service: from 10:30 am onwards at Currumbin RSL
🖼️ Italian Renaissance Alive: April 11 - August 4; digital multi-sensory gallery, accompanied by a powerful operatic musical score at HOTA
🎭 Burn: April 12 - April 27 from 7:30 pm onwards; a psychological drama that dissects the dynamic between two polar-opposite brothers at Spotlight Theatre Basement
🖼️ A Kid From Yesterday | Solo Exhibition: April 26 from 6 pm onwards; colourful pop-inspired paintings and cold beers at the Mint Art House
🤘🏽 Pandemonium Rocks: April 27 from 11:30 am onwards; Australia’s newest rock and roll music festival at Doug Jennings Park
💐 Mother’s Day Art and Craft Market: April 28 from 8 am to 1 pm; 35 amazing art and crafters stalls, pottery demonstrations, delicious food and music at Gold Coast Potters Association
🏈 Gold Coast Suns vs. West Coast Eagles: April 28 from 11 am; Round 7 at People First Stadium
🎥 Flotsam Film & Photography Festival: from May 1 to May 12; pop-up film nights, photo exhibitions, live music, projection art, workshops, and immersive photo walks at Various locations across the southern GC
🏢 Gold Coast Careers Festival: May 2 from 9 am onwards; one of the largest events of its kind in Queensland Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre
 | A guest post by
|