🗳️The GC votes | Local landmark renamed | Coomera's high-rise ambitions | US to ban TikTok | Interest rates hiked | QLD legislation criminalising coercive control | Meta x Ray-ban and more!
Volume 54 - Today’s newsletter is 1,110 words, a 4.5 minute read.
Welcome to Thursday, March 14.
In today’s email
The Gold Coast: Votes this weekend
Coomera’s high-rising: Ambitions
QLD Parliament passes historic: Legislation criminalising coercive control
Trending: TikTok’s US ban, Ray-ban x Meta’s sunnies, Local Gold Coast landmark renamed, interest rates hiked and more!
Around The Web (Snippets): Fred never again
Councillor’s Corner PLUS a Mayoral Candidate for 2024
Upcoming Events
Weekend Weather and Surf
Live Gold Coast Housing Price Index
1. One Big Thing: The Gold Coast votes
What’s Happening
This weekend, Gold Coast voters will hit the polls in a pivotal local government election, with the mayoral and 14 council positions hotly contested.
Why It Matters
This election is a turning point, determining the city’s leadership and direction on development, community services, and infrastructure as we head into the eight-year lead-up to the Olympic Games and all eyes are on Queensland's southeast in particular.
And, voting is compulsory, which helps keep the nation on the straight and narrow.
By the Numbers
Nine mayoral contenders are vying for the top spot (with an early poll putting two contenders out in front)
Over 40 candidates will be battling it out
14 council seats are up for grabs - check the map👆
Hot Seats
Some of the more challenging contests will include:
Division 7, where suspended councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden, on bail on a murder charge, is contesting the seat.
Division 2, where Councillor William Owen Jones has stood down
Division 11, where Councillor Hermann Vorster has chosen to run for State Parliament.
Division 12, where Councillor Pauline Young has retired
What To Look For Next
And, a good chunk of cash to pay this fine if you forget.
Plus, stacks of political advertising from now until the Queensland State election in just a few months.
Full article by Marshall Hall
2. Coomera’s high-rising skyline
What’s Happening
A Brisbane-based developer has proposed four towering high-rises in Coomera, aiming to enrich the Gold Coast with over 720 apartments and a lively commercial precinct just east of the Coomera Train Station.
Why It Matters
This venture moves the area towards urban intensification, potentially reshaping Coomera's skyline and real estate landscape in an area that traditionally hasn’t seen buildings of this sort.
By the Numbers
4 proposed towers, peaking at 25 storeys.
Over 720 apartments, coupled with a diverse commercial hub.
42,000 vehicles travel Foxwell Road prior to the works, and new residents moving in
Local Impact
The development could significantly boost Coomera’s economy and lifestyle offerings but raises questions about traffic congestion on a critical artery.
Foxwell Road, in particular, will bear the brunt of the impact. It is already often named one of the top five worst roads on the Gold Coast.
What To Look For Next
The Gold Coast City Council’s verdict on the project will be pivotal, especially considering Foxwell Road is already the second busiest behind the GC Highway.
The City of Gold Coast wants you to nominate some local legends:
that are changing our community for the better.
whose challenges and triumphs are manifested in their life achievements.
who go above and beyond in their career.
who are simply champions in one way or another and have an impact on those around them.
Nominate someone doing something good for the City here.
3. Queensland Leads with Coercive Control Legislation
What’s Happening
Queensland Parliament has passed groundbreaking legislation criminalising coercive control, a significant stride in combatting domestic violence.
Why It Matters
This law acknowledges the complex facets of domestic abuse beyond physical violence, aiming to protect victims through legal means.
By the Numbers
14 years imprisonment maximum penalty for coercive control.
Queensland becomes the second state in Australia to enact this law.
The legislation responds to the advocacy following tragic events, including the murder of Hannah Clarke and her children in 2020.
Local Impact
This legislative change is a monumental step for Queensland, setting a precedent in addressing domestic violence and potentially saving lives.
Towards a Safer Future
Queensland's bold move paves the way for comprehensive domestic violence legislation, highlighting the state's commitment to safeguarding its residents.
What To Look For Next
The implementation in 2025 and its effectiveness in preventing domestic violence will be closely watched, hoping to inspire further legislative advancements nationwide.
For more information, please visit The Lady Musgrave Trust.
Full article by Courtney Mulder.
4. Trending
5. Around The Web (Snippets)
The complete list of Gold Coast local election candidates has been released: And you can see them all here
Interest rates hiked again: By UBank in the last 24 hours, ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's next meeting
A Gold Coast landmark: Gets renamed
Robbie Maddison and the Freestyle Kings: Hit CBUS Stadium in a few days
Election questions denied: By Google’s new AI chatbot, Gemini, in any country where there is an election taking place
Risqué racing: A mobile billboard made by Kitten's adult venue for Spring Racing deemed too racy..
Ray-Ban x Meta: Make sunnies that now identify and describe landmarks
Implanting solar panels into: Your eyeballs is an option being explored by researchers at the University of New South Wales
‘The Batman - Part II’ has been: Delayed by a whole year
The US set to ban: TikTok, the US$75 billion company
6. Councillors’ Corner
Div 5 | Gaven, Highland Park, Mount Nathan, Pacific Pines + 5 | Cr Peter Young
Div 6 | Ashmore, Benowa, Bundall, Southport | Cr Brooke Patterson
Local Elections CANDIDATES’ Corner
Introducing Gary Pead for Mayor
8. Upcoming Events
🏆 SWELL Smalls Art Prize: March 8 to March 17; free event at the gallery and new exhibition at the Broadbeach Community Space
🏄🏽 SLSQ Senior & Masters State Championships: March 15 - March 17; free event with market stalls, and food vendors, to live music at Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club
🏐 Australian Beach Volleyball Tour: March 15 - March 17; Australia’s best athletes and international wildcard entries competing at Coolangatta
🤣 GC Laughs Festival: March 15 - March 23; a week packed with giggles featuring the crème de la crème of international and national comedy stars at HOTA
🐨 Koala Breakfast: March 16 - March 18; gourmet breakfast, surrounded by koalas at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
☘️ St. Paddy's Day: March 17, St. Patrick's Day is back for 2024 with grand celebrations across the Gold Coast
📣 HOTA Gallery Teen Advisory Group: March 19 from 4 pm to 5:30 pm; calling all creative teens in grades 10-12 with a passion for art to join at HOTA
🖼️ Imaginator: March 21 from 10 am onwards; immersive play experience at Surfers Paradise