⛈️ Post-storm City Council Updates | Happy New Year from the GC Minute | Top Articles Of 2023 | Tesla Factory Robot Attacks Worker | World Record Cricket Match Viewership, NYE events and more!
⛈️ Post-storm City Council Updates | Happy New Year from the GC Minute | Top Articles Of 2023 | Tesla Factory Robot Attacks Worker | World Record Cricket Match Viewership, NYE events and more!
Today’s newsletter is 1,343 words: 6 minute read.
🚨 Important Community Announcement: Follow this link to access the activated special disaster payment following the storms over the last few days.
Dear Gold Coast Minute community,
As we stand on the edge of 2023, we thank you again for your continuous support and engagement this year.
Looking forward to 2024, we can’t wait to keep bringing you local news, critical city insights, tech and business stories in a way that you need it.
Here's to a bright and promising 2024, and stay tuned for another big year on the GC ahead.
Happy New Year!
In today’s email
Post-storm Waste: Disposal Critical Information
Important City Council: Storm Updates
The Top 3: GC Minute Newsletters/Articles of 2023
Trending: Energex updates
Around The Web (Snippets): WWE and UFC coming to the GC, a Tesla factory robot attacks an employee, the most-watched cricket match in history and more!
Councillor’s Corner
Upcoming Events
GC Christmas Weekend Weather and Surf
Live Gold Coast Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: Post-storm Waste Disposal
What’s Happening
Following the severe weather events of the last few days, the Gold Coast is tackling the urgent task of disposing of vast quantities of food and green waste, which has become a priority for thousands of local residents.
Residents strive to restore order amidst widespread power outages in preparation for more storms to forecast over the next week.
Why It Matters
Effective post-storm waste management is critical for public health and a quick recovery, and the Gold Coast City Council relies heavily on community updates to keep locals in the loop.
The proactive approach highlights the City's acknowledgement of resilience measures and the importance of prepared waste management systems in crisis situations.
What the City is doing
Skip bins for food waste disposal in the most severely impacted areas are being deployed and will be available locations when available here.
Extended the operating hours for Green Waste Disposal to 6 am - 6 pm from Friday, Dec 29 2023 (with the exception of Merrimac, which will be open from 7 am to 4:50 pm)
Commercial green waste fees will be waived at the Reedy Creek and Molendinar WRC’s and Stapylton Landfill from today to facilitate clean up.
Green waste can be disposed of at the following locations:
Pimpama Green Organics Drop and Go
Molendinar WRC
Merrimac WRC
Reedy Creek Landfill
Stapylton Landfill.
What To Look For Next
Moving forward, anticipate the City's development of a roadside removal program (already being put together) for green waste and storm debris.
As plans for this initiative progress, residents are encouraged to place their green waste and storm debris on the kerb for collection.
Remember
Green waste and storm debris MUST be separated to enable efficient collection and MUST NOT impede safe pedestrian access.
2. Council’s Update - City Facility Closures and Other Information
What’s Happening
The Gold Coast has released information in relation to the closure of some City facilities in the aftermath of the recent storms.
Why It Matters
Days after the events, the community is still confronting widespread damage and disruption, with some residents still needing to seek venues to charge devices and take shelter.
By the Numbers
50,000 Gold Coast residents are still without power
130,000 homes lost power in total (with 80,000 restored so far)
1,000 power lines require fixing
Over 400 homes damaged: A testament to the storm's destructive power.
Temperatures are hitting the low to mid-30s, exacerbated by clean-up efforts and public health concerns.
Hundreds of trees are down: Particularly across South Stradbroke Island, posing additional hazards.
Local Impact
The community is deeply feeling the storm's effects, with many residents seeking refuge and respite in open facilities, such as select libraries and community centres.
The City's push to conserve water and ensure access to essential services like mosquito control and heat relief underscores the multifaceted impact of the event.
Critical City Facilities That Are Open or Closed
All libraries, except Runaway Bay, remain open and available for residents without power.
You can get out of the heat and charge phones and handheld lifesaving devices that use regular outlets.
Mudgeeraba Community Centre will open today from 9 am to 9 pm for residents seeking relief from the heat and access to power.
Pimpama Community Centre (at Pimpama Sports Hub) and Upper Coomera Community Centre are also open to residents.
Helensvale Aquatic Centre (closed)
Palm Beach Aquatic Centre (closed)
Moving Forward
This dual crisis will likely spark a review of the Gold Coast's emergency protocols and infrastructure to increase flexibility and capacity for rapid response and recovery.
There have already been calls for a review by Mayor Tom Tate into the BOM’s updates that went out.
What To Look For Next
With hot and humid weather set to continue, in addition to the massive clean-up effort, the City is undertaking targeted mosquito spraying across the City in the coming days in anticipation of increased prevalence with the weather conditions that come after such intense weather.
3. The Top Newsletters/Articles of 2023
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
Australian orbital rocket launch: Is scheduled for early 2024 after Gold Coast-based company Gilmour Space completes final preparations
UFC and WWE blockbusters to hit the Gold Coast: If talks go ahead between the promoters and the City’s leaders
The most-watched cricket match in history: was revealed as new broadcast and digital records were set at the men's World Cup this year
A Tesla factory robot attacked: A worker and left them bleeding in a recently released report
New York Times sues OpenAI and Microsoft: For their use of its stories to train chatbots
6. Councillors’ Corner
Div 3 | Coomera, Wongawallan, Willowvale +2 | Cr Donna Gates (Deputy Mayor)
Div 13 | Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Tallebudgera +2 | Cr Daphne McDonald
7. Upcoming Events
Hudsons’ Circus at Broadwater Parklands: Dec 29 to Jan 3, presents a 2-hour traditional-style circus with a modern twist.
Water Mania: Dec 30, a spot for kids and families to cool down this summer in the Splash Zone
Best Night Ever: Dec 30, at Miami Marketta, see 11 bands (including Dune Rats, Smith Street Band and more) and two stages with no clashes.
Queen, It’s Kinda Magic: Dec 30, at the Star Casino, celebrating the legacy of Queen and Freddie Mercury, Showtime Australia introduces Dominic Warren performing lead vocals, guitar and piano live on stage in Freddie's original key
Tugun League’s Club New Year’s Eve Party: Dec 31, enjoy a jumping castle, free slushies, face painting, raffles and live music from Quest Band from 2 pm.
NYE Resolution Run: Dec 31, will be the sixth annual Wild Earth NYE Resolution Run will wind its way around the Emerald Lakes Golf Course
NYE Community Rollerskate: Dec 31, at Mudgeeraba netball courts this Sunday from 5 pm until sundown
NYE in Coolangatta: Dec 31, two exciting fireworks displays at 9 pm and midnight Queensland time (and even run across the road to catch the one at Jack Evans Boat Harbour next to Twin Towns at 8 pm and 11 pm, always a busy cross-border dash!)