Magpie translation app | Northern GC suburbs land outperforms beachside | A new species found on the GC | Australia's war machine ramps up | SWELL Festival's Waterlines and more!
Volume 57: Today’s newsletter is 1,115 words, a 5 minute read.
Welcome back to Thursday, this time April 7.
On the eve of a very wet few Gold Coast days ahead ☔️
In today’s email
Tallebudgera’s boardwalk: Into Stage 3 of its upgrade
Northern GC suburbs outperform: The beachside
A hairy surprise: In the Hinterland
Trending: Magpie translation app
Around The Web (Snippets): Australia’s war machine, SWELL Sculpture’s ‘Waterlines’ in the hinterland, ChatGPT no longer needs accounts, The GC real estate market primed and more!
Councillor’s Corner
Upcoming Events
Easter Weekend Weather and Surf
Live Gold Coast Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Tallebudgera's big boardwalk boost
What’s Happening
A $3.4 million overhaul of Tallebudgera Creek's boardwalk, Stage 3 in the broader Palm Beach—Tallebudgera Creek improvement works, is underway.
Why It Matters
This revamp represents a strategic enhancement of one of the Gold Coast's most crystal clear Crown Jewels, aiming to future-proof and help beautify the increasingly popular area.
By the Numbers
$3.4 million project: Being spent in Stage 3 of the area’s upgrade
Feb-Aug 2024: Is the expected build time for this final third stage
4 metres wide: Will be the new boardwalk that replaces the older two metre-wide existing boardwalk
Local Impact
This project aims to elevate the Tallebudgera Creek experience for residents and visitors alike and will look to follow the path of the plan below 👇
What The People Say
Mayor Tom Tate has lauded the project as essential for meeting the growing demands on public spaces and enhancing their safety and aesthetics.
Looking Forward
With work having just commenced, expect it to wrap up in August 2024.
In the meantime, check the detour plan below.
2. Northern suburbs outperform beachside
What’s Happening
Queensland’s Valuer-General has reported a dramatic 30%+ surge in land values in Gold Coast's northern and western suburbs over two years, outpacing the traditionally better-performing beachside areas.
Why It Matters
This trend shifts the spotlight from the coast to the hinterland and northern Gold Coast regions, indicating a broader change in residential preferences and property investments.
By the Numbers
Over 30% Increase: The northern and western suburbs’ significant land value rise.
Worongary's Whopping 59.7% Jump: From $310,000 to $495,000 between 2021 and 2023.
Beachside Catch-Up: Coastal areas that previously enjoyed substantial growth are now overtaken.
Local Impact
This evolution suggests a market rebalance and, of course, the amount everyone will have to pay to the Council in rates.
What To Look For Next
You can see the Top 10 Best-performing property value increases right here.
And, here are the Top 10 suburbs that recorded the lowest increases 👇
Full article by Marshall Hall.
3. A hairy surprise in the hinterland
What’s Happening
In the Gold Coast hinterland, a unique fluffy beetle species, Excastra albopilosa, has been discovered, marking a new genus of longhorn beetle.
Why It Matters
This discovery illuminates the hidden biodiversity of our local ecosystems and the importance of preserving these unknown treasures.
By the Numbers
9.7mm: The size of the newly found beetle.
Over 100 Years: Time scientists have explored the area without this find.
5.5 Million: Is the estimated number of insect species globally, with 80% still undiscovered.
Local Impact
This find puts the Gold Coast on the map for biodiversity and conservation, highlighting the rich yet fragile ecosystems that require detailed attention.
A Buzz in Conservation
Excastra albopilosa will open new doors for ecological research and conservation strategies, showcasing the importance of every species in biodiversity.
What The People Say
James Tweed, the discovering researcher, emphasises the challenge of conserving unknown species.
Steve Noakes of Binna Burra Lodge lauds the discovery as part of the lodge’s history of scientific breakthroughs.
What To Look For Next
The full paper published in the Australian Journal of Taxonomy, here.
4. Trending
Help with communicating your thoughts to swooping magpies…
Released April 1.
📝 Like your local area and writing about it?
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
Or, submit a story here 👇
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Queensland leads the way in its approach to drug: Safety with a groundbreaking pill-testing service announcement
For eight years, an: Auckland Council employee has been working remotely from the Gold Coast
ChatGPT, by OpenAI, no longer requires: An account, but, of course, there’s a catch
The most stolen item in the US was once: The Gillette Mach 3 Razor
The GC’s real estate section is primed for: A long-term boom
The war machine of Australia is: Queensland, with the nation’s largest ever defence export contract signed to build and export 100+ Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier Vehicles to Germany
Two pilots have walked away from: An emergency landing at Coolangatta Airport
Making waves in the Hinterland is: SWELL Sculpture’s Waterlines celebration
6. Councillor’s Corner
Div 7 | Arundel, Helensvale, Labrador, Parkwood +1 | Cr Joe Wilkinson
Div 11 | Burleigh Waters, Robina, Varsity Lakes | Cr Dan Doran
7. Upcoming Events
🏊🏼♀️ Australian Swimming Championships: April 6 - April 10; the largest annual event on the Swimming Australia calendar at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
🎨 Little ArtLab: Bold and Brazen Tiles: April 5; build modelling skills, learn about geometric forms and explore contrast and patterns at The Studio - HOTA Gallery
🏃🏼 Pho3nix Kids Gold Coast Triathlon: April 6 from 6 am to 10 am; free and fun non-competitive event, bike/run, swim/run and fun run at the Mitchell Park
🏉 Gold Coast Titans take on North Queensland Cowboys: April 7; up at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
🏃🏽♀️ Pho3nix Gold Coast Triathlon – Luke Harrop Memorial: April 7; sentimental favourite race for triathletes at Broadwater
🎶 The World of Musicals in Concert: April 7 from 6 pm to 8 pm; from the best of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Les Miserables’ to ‘Guys & Dolls’ and ‘South Pacific’ and many at HOTA
🪸 Under the Sea Craft Workshop: April 8 from 9 am to 12 pm; get creative with some fun craft activities at Broadwater Parklands
🌿 Kids in Conservation: Become a Junior Botanist: April 9 from 9 am to 10:30 am; look very closely at plants through highly magnified glasses and sketch what you see just like real botanists at GC Regional Botanic Gardens
🐍 Wildlife Animal Encounters: April 10 from 9 am to 1 pm; an interactive experience that educates on conservation and protecting native animals and their habitat at Broadwater Parklands
🎭 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