Landmark real estate agency to close | Easter school holiday happenings | Kids banned from social media | Local childcare giant settles case | Devin, the world's first AI engineer and more!
Volume 56: Today’s newsletter is 1,078 words, a 4.5 minute read.
Welcome to Thursday, March 28, a day before the Easter long weekend 🐣
In today’s email
GC Fast Rail: Is going slow
Easter School Holiday Fun: In the Hinterland
Local landmark real estate agency: Is set to close
Trending: Northern GC flood maps
Around The Web (Snippets): Under 14s state-wide ban from social media, world’s first AI engineer (Devin), booming GC tourism stats, local Gold Coast childcare centre settles massive class action, Spotify tests video, Toyota’s $21b EV spend and more
Councillor’s Corner
Upcoming Events
Easter Weekend Weather and Surf
Live Gold Coast Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: The fast GC to Logan rail project goes slow
What’s Happening
The Logan to Gold Coast Faster Rail project, a $5.75 billion initiative, moves one step closer ahead as major contractors are shortlisted and competing for a piece of the transformative rail upgrade.
Why It Matters
Enhancing connectivity and safety, the project aims to double tracks and remove crossings, significantly improving travel between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
By the Numbers
$5.75 billion: Project budget.
Double tracks: Between Kuraby and Beenleigh.
6 months: Proposal development period for shortlisted contractors.
Local Impact
The upgrade will offer more frequent and reliable services, reducing platform wait times and facilitating smoother commutes for Southeast Queensland residents between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
On the Right Track
Contractors have now been shortlisted, marking a pivotal step towards modernising and expanding the region's rail infrastructure, promising a future of enhanced public transport efficiency.
What The People Say
Transport Minister Bart Mellish: “The Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail scheme was a critical project for improving transport times.”
What To Look For Next
The full original article here by Marshall Hall at the Gold Coast Minute.
2. Easter school holiday fun in the hinterland
What’s Happening
The Easter school holidays are bringing a bounty of free or low-cost activities around the Gold Coast hinterland for families, promising outdoor fun and learning experiences for all ages.
Why It Matters
These activities offer families diverse ways to engage with the community, nature, and local culture during the cooler months, making the most of the hinterland's natural beauty.
What’s On?
The Mudgeeraba Parkrun.
Easter egg hunts
Skate clinics and heaps more
Local Impact
These events entertain and educate, fostering community spirit and environmental awareness among Gold Coast residents.
A Season of Discovery
From Parkruns to Easter Egg Hunts and environmental initiatives, these school holidays offer enriching experiences that promise to keep both kids and adults entertained and connected.
What To Look For Next
Expect the hinterland to buzz with activity as families explore its offerings, creating memories and learning moments that make the most of the school holiday experience.
Read the complete list of holiday activities by Courtney Mulder here for heaps more Hinterland happenings.
3. Landmark local real estate agency to close
What’s Happening
Knobel & Davis, a pioneer in the Gold Coast real estate market since 1981, is closing its doors at the end of March 2024.
Why It Matters
The agency’s closure marks the end of an era, highlighting shifts in the local real estate landscape.
By the Numbers
70%: Market share of all sales between Sanctuary Cove and Tweed Heads in the late '80s.
1981: Year of establishment.
2: Offices to remain open.
Local Impact
The closure reflects changing trends in Gold Coast's realty sector, affecting local market dynamics.
Turning the Page
As co-founder and Principal Kerry Davis retires to Port Douglas, the agency’s legacy will pave the way for new developments in the industry.
What The People Say
Kerry Davis: "The time has finally come to close this chapter in the book of K&D history. To my long-time clients, my beautiful, supportive family, friends, and, of course, my many friends, I sincerely thank you for your ongoing support, friendship and constant referrals throughout the years."
What To Look For Next
The two remaining offices, one on Bribie Island and one in Japan, continuing to operate.
Read the full article here, by Marshall Hall at the GC Minute.
4. Trending
📝 Like your local area and wanna’ write?
We’re looking for some legendary locals to help cover the:
Coolangatta/Kirra/Elanora/Tallebdugera/Currumbin area
Main Beach/Surfers/Burleigh area
Parkwood/Labrador/Southport area
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Gold Coast’s tourism industry has: Surged back from its COVID-19 slump with $7.8b in visitor spending in the last 12 months, and these key stats
A state-wide complete social media ban for kids under 14: Was approved this week in the US
Norwell, Canungra and Springbrook copped: An absolute drenching in the last 24 hours
Spotify tests video: Courses to help teach anything
Local GC childcare giant: G8 has settled a massive class action by unhappy investors
Toyota has now spent $21 billion on: Electric vehicle manufacturing since 2021
Splendour 2024: Has been cancelled
460 roadside breath tests: Were conducted on the GC in a single night this week, in the lead-up to Easter
The world’s first AI: Software engineer has been released, named Devin 👇
6. Councillor’s Corner
Div 2 | Helensvale, Hope Island, Sanctuary Cove | Cr Naomi Fowler
See live counting here.
7. Upcoming Events
🐰 Easter in the Laneway: March 29 - March 31 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm; talent, food, people & entertainment and win a Golden Egg prize pack worth over $1,000 at Cavill Lane Surfers Paradise
🖼️ Italian Renaissance Alive: March 30 - August 4; digital multi-sensory gallery, accompanied by a powerful operatic musical score at HOTA
🐣Easter Crafts: March 30 from 9 am to 12 pm; Easter egg decorating, plaster painting and woodcraft at Beside the Bouncy Pillow, Broadwater Parklands
🐰 Meet the Easter Bunny: March 31 from 11 am to 3 pm; meet the Easter Bunny as he hops around Broadwater Parklands between the Great Lawn and the Rockpools for Easter Sunday
🐣 Easter United: March 31 from 2 pm to 7 pm; live performances from local artists and food trucks at The Great Lawn, Broadwater Parklands
🎵 Rockin' the Rockpools: April 2 from 9 am to 12 pm; DJ playing music in the Rockpools and running kid-friendly games
📣 KARI Foundation Community Unity Day: April 3 from 10 am to 3 pm; one-stop shop for members of the community to explore and experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture at Carrara Indoor Sport Stadium
🎞️ Alliance Française French Film Festival: April 3 to April 16; featuring 41 French films over 14 days
🪴 Little Green Thumbs Gardening Workshop: April 4 from 9 am to 1 pm; interactive workshop to introduce children to the wonders of nature, providing environmental awareness and a hands-on experience