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ANOTHER SPORTING COUP
In another sporting triumph for the Gold Coast, Athletics Australia has announced that, for the first time, the National Junior Track and Field Championships, both under 20s and under 23s, are to be held here on 14, 15 and 16 March at Griffith University. Sally McLellan’s coach, Sharon Hammond, is the resident supervisor of the track with her husband, and no doubt Sally’s phenomenal success has influenced the directors of Athletics Australia to choose the Gold Coast over the other contender, Adelaide. She estimates there will be 30% more competitor entries because of their decision to stage the championships here. It reminded me of my only National Junior Titles competition in Adelaide in the 1954/5 season when I was just 17, and came second in my two events, the 880 and mile, to an even younger prodigy from Western Australia, the 16 year old Herb Elliott who set new Australian Junior (under 20) records at both distances. The following year I was competing against the big boys, John Landy, Mervyn Lincoln and co. while Herb had dropped a piano on his foot so he was out of action. DON’T BE ALARMED
The International Housing affordability study that was circulated last Monday, showed the Gold Coast rates 11th amongst the world’s most expensive cities for average housing costs behind two other Australian cities – Mandurah WA (6th) and the Sunshine Coast (7th). The key element in the study is the fact that the ranking is based on an average figure. This means the actual proportion of high priced to low priced housing dramatically affected the results. For example, one city (A) could have a ratio of 20 houses worth \$2million to every 100 houses of \$200,000 as against another city (B) with 40 houses of \$1million to every 70 houses worth \$300,000. (A)’s average would be much lower at \$363,636 than (B)’s - \$554,545, even though their most expensive houses were twice the value. Mandurah is a small satellite development with a population of 6,408 (2006 ABS), 70 kms south of Perth, recently developed and rather akin to Byron Bay. This does not mean it is overly expensive, rather it attests to the lower percentage of low cost housing in the city as you would expect in a coastal community developed and expanded in relatively recent times. So people should not take this assessment too seriously as it does not mean we are more expensive than all the cities below us on the table – rather that we have a lower proportion of cheaper housing. GREEN CARS
Jon Dee, founder and chairman of the environmental group Planet Ark, has suggested a different slant to my ideas (GCB 19/01/08) about cars displaying a row of stars to denote their eco-friendliness. He has pointed out that the government in Ontario Canada, is issuing green license plates for all cars rated as the cleanest and most fuel efficient. This entitles the driver to free parking and the right to drive in commuter lanes as well as lower registration fees. On the other hand, he also suggests those citizens who wish to continue driving motor vehicles at the other end of the spectrum - ones that use more than average fuel and/or emit excessive polluting gases - pay a premium with their registration to be used for more planting of trees for carbon offsets. Either way, the State needs to be doing something sooner rather than later to encourage car owners to think more carefully about our ecology before purchasing their next car. FREE CYCLES FOR TRANSPORT
One of the world’s best eco-schemes that I would like to see replicated on the Gold Coast for our community, is the free bike program that has been operating for years in Amsterdam. It is now being introduced in major cities like London, Barcelona, Stockholm, Paris and Lyon. However, these cities intend to do it in conjunction with advertising companies that pay for the costs of the bicycles and racks in return for advertising rights on signs throughout the city. The concept, which I understand Brisbane and Sydney are looking at, is for the user to pick up a cycle from any of the racks scattered around parks and gardens and even in the urban areas, and leave it at another rack near their destination. To avoid theft, users are registered and need to input their code number before picking up the cycle and then again when they deposit it. The program is so successful in The Netherlands, that 25% of their residents prefer pedal power to motor vehicles. But as Sophie Gatt of the Australian Conservation Foundation says “there’s no point having free bikes if the road is not safe to ride on”. So we will need to expedite our bicycle path networks currently being built, but ever so slowly.
A-VENUE FOR MUSICAL CREATIVITY
Last week we had a performance with a difference at the Council Chambers – the Gold Coast’s Grassroots Street Orchestra gave a preview – or pre-listen – of what they’ll be treating the audience to tomorrow at the Big Day Out at Parklands.The Grassroots Street Orchestra is one of five local bands to be playing the Big Day Out for Council’s A-Venue Youth Music initiative, which aims to assist young and emerging musicians to develop their skills and professional opportunities.Commencing in 2004 and funded jointly by Council and Arts Queensland, the A-Venue program seeks to help musicians to access business training, mentoring, industry induction, management skills training and production facilities by providing links to entertainment events in local communities.A-Venue also offers a variety of professional development workshops to skill musicians in the practicalities of areas like business planning and the production of demonstration CDs, as well as providing numerous showcasing opportunities for emerging musicians at events like the Big Day Out, the Quiksilver Pro, and A La Carte in the Park.In all, more than 900 young Gold Coasters have participated in the A-Venue workshops, business development projects and cluster networks during its first few years of operation, its sustained popularity indicating there’s a strong vein of creativity within the youth of our city.FROM THE GOLD COAST TO CANNES
Still on things creative, I was delighted to learn that The Dark Lurking, a locally-produced feature film, will screen at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.Filmwerx 77, the production company behind The Dark Lurking, was set up by three enterprising young Gold Coasters with the specific aim of producing quality international-standard films in the region.The still-young company has already racked up an impressive body of work in both film and television, including Netherworld, which won the Best Action Short category of the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2005.Committed to ensuring their films are both entertaining and profitable, the Filmwerx 77 team – Greg Connors, Stuart Wall and Bret Kennedy – collectively boast a wealth of experience in many of the facets of film production. In turn, the fact they’re able to do so much themselves means production budgets can be reduced, and film profitability enhanced.Indeed, I understand The Dark Lurking was made on a modest production budget of about \$200,000, with the Filmwerx 77 trio even reaching into their own pockets to help production of the sci-fi thriller.Such dedication to their craft is to be admired and commended. I seem to remember Kevin Costner followed a similar path in his difficult, but ultimately triumphant, quest to bring the now-acclaimed Dances with Wolves to the big screen.FULFILLING A COMMUNITY NEED
A Gold Coast Police Youth club’s response to the Rudd Federal Government’s message that the Australian community should tackle childhood obesity more seriously, has been to spend \$210,000 on a new gymnasium designed specifically for children from the age of seven.While this is a commendable action, it is an indictment on our society that youngsters need special facilities like these to entice them into becoming active and healthy.As an ex-gym owner, I can say these sorts of workouts are of little use unless they’re complemented by a change in lifestyle, particularly with nutrition and aerobic-type exercise (cycling, running, swimming, etc).Given our climate, I would have hoped any youth under the age of 18 would spend sufficient time exercising outdoors – be it surfing, cycling, running, or just through active play with their friends, to promote health and fitness. Unfortunately though, statistics and the prevalence of obesity tell us otherwise.Eating too much and exercising too little is a problem facing every one of us, but it has been shown that chubby children are very likely to mature into obese adults with all of the health problems associated with inactivity.NAME AND SHAME
I was pleased that Transport Minister John Mickel recently confirmed the State Government is considering relating vehicle registration fees to the volume of greenhouse gas emissions generated by the various models. This would see owners of the worst carbon-producing vehicles paying more to register their car.It would be better still if they could introduce a system of environmental stars, much as has been in place for some years for manufacturers of washing machines, clothes dryers, and other white goods.For example, five stars could indicate zero carbon emissions, reducing to one star for those vehicles generating the greatest volume of greenhouse gases.If it were also compulsory for a vehicle’s star rating to be indicated on the registration plate surround, it would serve as a constant advertisement of their indifference to these emissions and their effects on all of us.
COMMUNITY GARDENING
Many residents will be aware of the success of the Joan Park community gardens in Southport. The gardens boast an active member base whose sharing of gardening skills and knowledge enhances the horticultural experience. Its popularity is such that there’s currently a considerable waiting list for plots.The continued success of these gardens makes me wonder whether local primary schools could incorporate a type of community gardening program into their curriculum. I know that many primary schools already undertake small-scale vegetable and culinary herb growing programs to teach children about plant growth and development, as well as the value of nurturing living things.There would be many benefits to expanding programs like these, not only to the schools, but also to the broader community.For instance, the children would learn from the process of planning and maintaining their horticultural program, and would have the satisfaction of seeing their efforts bear fruit – literally. Fresh produce from the gardens could be provided to community members on limited income, thereby providing a valuable resource to residents. And I’ve no doubt many local people with time on their hands would be happy to lend a hand with some of the endless tasks involved with gardening, and to pass on any horticultural tricks and tips they’ve picked up over the years.Some schools may even like to become involved with the ‘seed savers’ program that seeks to preserve diversity in the varieties of our fruits and vegetables.The implementation of such programs would surely be a win-win situation for all.HINZE DAM OVERSPILL
Acting Premier Paul Lucas sent a few mixed messages via radio and television about my request to the Water Commission, to reduce water restrictions on the Gold Coast.His immediate response was that we didn’t need government permission. Then he must have been advised that he and his government had, in fact, taken that right away from us with the Water Reform legislation, so he said we should send any excess we had down the river.We were told we needed to store all the water we could, because next May we will have to supply water to Logan.Forget all our senior citizens carrying buckets, and our residents not being able to wash their cars, or pathways, or patios, and our beach showers and all the other activities that Minister Lucas says don’t make much difference anyway (what have we all been doing these past few years?).The answer from the Acting CEO of the independent Water Commission arrived two days later, and was exactly the same as the Acting Premier’s last statement, even though they are an allegedly independent body.I cannot accept their lack of acknowledgement that Gold Coast residents, who have been so good for so long, deserve some special consideration until the grid is connected. We would still have enough to supply Logan, even if it did not rain at all between now and May.Where are our state representatives when we need them? Not one from either party has spoken out.RESPECT FOR OUR POLICE
I agree wholeheartedly with the editorial (Gold Coast Bulletin, 3 January 2008) about the urgent need for protection for our police officers.The vicious attacks on the very people who are there to protect us all, in recent times in our region, are nothing short of appalling.To strike a sporting analogy, police officers are the umpires who enforce and uphold rules established to maintain order and keep us all safe. And even if we don’t agree with a particular regulation, we’re still required to adhere to it.Police officers don’t make the laws, but they are required to enforce them to the best of their ability. And they should be able to go about this without the risk of verbal or physical attack that appears to be becoming more and more commonplace.I don’t believe in excuses for this sort of behaviour – that being intoxicated or drug-addled somehow lessens the intent or seriousness of the nature of these offences.Accordingly, I feel the only way to curtail the prevalence of attacks on police officers is to introduce heavy fines and/or sentences that more accurately reflect the gravity of these offences.Sadly, it would appear that measures such as these are the only deterrent this type of criminal can understand.DESALINATION WITHIN A RIVERINE ECOSYSTEM
Some time ago I forwarded information on desalination vessel technology to the then Deputy Premier, suggesting the option of locating a floating desalination plant off Bribie Island be explored.Such a location would ensure the provision of both tidal and wind power for the desalination plant, thereby providing an element of self-sustainability and saving on carbon emissions.The State Government recently made an announcement about the location of two new plants on barges anchored on the Brisbane River, and I applaud them for that.But I do question the merit of locating these new desalination plants within a river, given the environmental concerns involved. Not only will this remove the options of tidal and wind power, but discharging brine into the already-brackish and slower flowing water could seriously impact upon the riverine ecosystem.
HOW ACCURATE WERE THE POLLS?
I know that, technically speaking, there is supposed to be no ill-effects from mixing re-cycled with potable water for the household but I still have some reservations.However, a lot of residents, including my wife Helen, strongly oppose it and would never drink water again from this source if Government proceeds with its threat to implement such an arrangement here on the Gold Coast.Interestingly when the Premier made this announcement a month or so ago, she accompanied her press release with statistics from a survey conducted by the Queensland Water Commission of 630 Queenslanders in the southeast, alleging that 71 per cent of them would be ‘comfortable’ drinking recycled water.By way of contrast a health research organization, Research Australia, claims its recent testing of 1000 Australians showed only 36 per cent would be prepared to drink recycled water, with most of the balance strongly disagreeing with the concept.There are plenty of uses for recycled water without adding large percentages of it to our potable water supplies, especially when the new desalinated water will quite adequately supplement Gold Coast needs for many decades in the future, and still have sufficient left to help other South East Queensland cities overcome their shortfalls.IPSWICH LOOKS TO THE HIGH RISE MARKET
Mayor Paul Pisasale has announced the Ipswich City Council has voted to allow buildings as high as 25 storeys to be built in the Springfield C.B.D. area. This city, despite having no water supply of its own, and its commuters to Brisbane traveling on the State’s slowest Motorway, is gung-ho about doubling its population within the next 15 years.Hopefully, the new Motorway, when it is built, will be able to cope with this growth and the State’s new convoluted water grid will be able to generate sufficient bulk water to meet the increased demand (although it is difficult to see how, unless the current climate change phenomenon is conquered and the Traveston, Wivenhoe and Somerset dams actually receive enough rain to fill them).Unfortunately I believe the sea-change and tree-change population migration from the southern states will still be to the coastal areas, so inland cities like Ipswich will continue to attract only the ‘left-overs’,….those who cannot afford to meet the prices the high demand for coastal regions creates.THE HOME OF CHAMPIONS
In a season that included two of the greatest surfers of all time, Kelly Slater and Andy Irons, not many good judges gave much credence to Mick Fanning’s chances of bringing the World Surfing Title back home to the Gold Coast, despite his pre-season predictions that ‘he had a good chance’. He did just that. In the women’s series, the first year ‘rookies’ are there to learn the ropes, develop their techniques and get to know their way around, and with Lee Beasley looking for her eighth title, her protégé, Stephanie Gilmour, was not supposed to end up winning the title for herself. But she did!However much the purists may complain about the loss of some of our better surf breaks, the quality of our surfers remains at an all-time high.Ditto our triathletes and cyclists, with another world title to Emma Snowsil, Robbie McEwan having another great season on the roads and Casey Stoner on his factory Ducati motorcycle defeating the invincible Valentino Rossi to take out another World Title for the Gold Coast. Casey, who learnt his sport riding mini-cycles on the Mike Hatcher Track in Labrador, is 22 yet looks too young to have a driving licence, let alone to have conquered the iconic, multi-champion Italian considered by many to be the greatest-ever grand prix champion. Not many cities in the world can boast of being the home of so many champions in such a range of sports. THEY NEED A DECENT CALCULATOR
After pointing out to the Department of Transport that its calculations of being able to transport 6,750 fans to Skilled stadium in 2008 by rail, and 9,900 by buses actually will take three and a half hours before and after the game, I re-visited its Rapid Transit proposals, and they’ve done it again.Their claim is the 17 km journey on light rail from Helensvale to Broadbeach, with 16 stations en route, will take just 29 minutes. If each station takes one minute to collect and discharge passengers that leaves only 13 minutes to travel the 17 km of the track at an average speed of 45.9 seconds per kilometer or 78.4 kph. Some one should really tell them that, for those parts of the track within Southport, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach there are speed limits of 60 and, in some areas, 50 kph.Further, during their peak times (not mine) from 9am to 6pm, there is supposed to be only six minutes between each tram so, in peak, from the beginning in 2010, there will be 10 trams on the tracks simultaneously. For the rest of the day, presumably from 6am to midnight, a 20 minute gap is expected so only six trams will be on the circuit.Consequently, to meet their other major claim of 25,000 passengers daily from day one, to between 74,000 and 125,000 within 30 years, they are saying that there will be 107 tram journeys in the beginning, building up to 180 in 30 years time.This means, in year one, there will be an average of 234 passengers on each and every journey and, by year 30, there will be 411. (Note: the capacity in each tram is just 200 (55 seating) or 300 (80 seats) if an extra carriage is attached.)Of course, very few passengers will travel the whole distance, so these figures can be increased accordingly. Against this, they do represent an average for the entire day, and there will be many down times.My only other question is – from where will these passengers come? The published aim of the government is for a five per cent usage (a 56 per cent increase from the present 3.2%). Without knowing the numbers they expect to use the tram after arriving at the heavy-rail station at Helensvale, a five per cent usage means they are claiming the catchment area, within a kilometre of the light rail route, will have 500,000 residents by 2010, and 1.48 million by 2040. Have I got news for them!
THE LOGISTICS DO NOT ADD UP
For the life of me I cannot see how the logistics are going to work to get the expected number of spectators (27,000) to and from the new Gold Coast Titans Stadium in Robina without substantially revising the car parking.According to the figures we were shown, 6,750 spectators are expected to come by train, 9,900 by buses, 3,000 by chartered coaches and shuttle buses, 1,500 by taxi, 5,400 by car, and 450 locals will walk there.If you calculate 600 per train load, and 50 for each bus (not including the park and ride shuttle buses from nearby car parks), then 12 trains and 198 buses will be needed. There is a 20 minute wait after the first train leaves (10 minutes for the train to get to Helensvale on the single rail, then 10 minutes for the next train to make the journey from Helensvale to Robina. That’s 3½ hours for all the train users to be dispatched.As well, 198 buses are going to be needed, and if five buses could be loaded simultaneously in five minutes, and the others lined up behind them, it would take more than three hours to disperse the crowd, not counting the charter buses of which there would be 60. Additionally, the buses waiting – say 50 of the 198 at any one time – will stretch along the nearby access roads for 1.5 kilometres.Some of us in Council have been concerned about this lack of car parks from day one, but the MSFA, who are constructing and operating the Stadium, repeatedly ignore these statistics. They keep saying it works at Suncorp Stadium with more people. But entirely different conditions operate there.There has to be another solution, and quick, as the first game is now less than three months away, and we are all looking forward to it being a runaway success.CONSISTENT WITH THEIR INCONSISTENCY
How consistent is the Queensland State Government?They refuse to consider daylight saving (even for a trial) despite the obvious advantages for health, family relationships, business and tourism, and uphold the rights of a minority who claim to be disadvantaged by it. This despite the fact that all other Australian states practice daylight saving.Then they commit to the fluoridation of drinking water because the other states are all doing it, claiming the benefits to tooth health cannot be left in the hands of the community, and ignoring the plight of a minority of people who are allergic to fluoride.Then they insist on amalgamating councils – despite the overwhelming numbers of people who voted against it – as it will save money; yet they guaranteed nobody would lose their job because of it.All this besides taking our water assets to more effectively disperse bulk water throughout south-east Queensland, the result being that Gold Coast residents will get the same water from the same dams and treatment plants, but will pay at least two to three times more for it.Where’s the logic?GREEN VEHICLES
The United States House of Representatives last week passed a resolution requiring all new vehicles, including SUVs (sports utility vehicles) to achieve a minimal 35 miles to the (US) gallon by 2020 – that’s 3.785 litres to every 56.327 kilometres, or almost 15 kilometres (14.88 to be exact) per litre.As most ordinary domestic car tanks hold about 40 litres, they are legislating for 600 kilometres or better per visit to the service station.In the meantime, I firmly believe our climate crisis is so urgent the United Nations should take the lead to regulate that all manufacturers throughout the world are made to follow the European system of applying stars on the number plate surrounds of all vehicles in accordance with their fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.The Australian Government already produces a Green Vehicle Guide (see www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au), but now we need state governments to provide discounts on annual registration fees to all five- and four-star vehicles, in addition to the sales tax concessions the federal government intends to apply.THE UNLUCKIEST OLYMPIAN
I am often referred to as the unluckiest Olympian because I only won a bronze medal in Tokyo in 1964. Then after breaking so many world records between Olympics, I realistically had no chance at the Mexico City Olympics in 1968 because of the city’s altitude.But Herb McKenley, who passed away earlier this month, had much worse luck. He won three individual silver medals in two Olympic Games – London in 1948 and Helsinki in 1952. And two of these were in photo-finishes.He did win a team gold medal when he ran one of the greatest relay legs of all time for Jamaica to take the 4 x 400m relay gold in world record time in 1952, but never did get an individual gold.Yet to this day, Herb remains the only man ever to have reached the finals of an Olympic 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres, and was the first man to run the quarter-mile in less than 46 seconds. Then, two years later, he was the first to do it in less than 45 seconds.He often ran in Australia both as an amateur in 1948 and 1952, and then after turning professional in 1953 and 1954. He ran under 47 seconds on 65 occasions.ON GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The findings of a recently-released research report into development confirms what we already knew – the Gold Coast is one of the country’s biggest development boom towns.The \$66 billion worth of major projects currently underway in the city represents a 58 per cent increase in development spending since the last survey, conducted in 2005. Refurbishments, extensions and renovations have risen 429 per cent during the same period, representing phenomenal investment growth in our city’s infrastructure, which can only be a good thing for our residents.But growth in development and population, particularly when it occurs rapidly, must be balanced by sustained economic growth to achieve long-term sustainability. I’m delighted to report the Gold Coast is also faring well in this domain.A recent report prepared by Council’s Economic Development Branch shows we met all five Key Performance Indicator targets for 2006, actually bettering three of the targets (Unemployment rate; Labour participation rate; and Residents with post-secondary school qualifications).In fact, our unemployment and labour participation rates have already met the 2010 targets, with the remaining categories in line to do so by 2010.Accordingly, our priorities over the next few years must centre on economic growth and the need to balance our infrastructure with development.Therefore, we must concentrate on achieving jobs growth, sustaining the low unemployment rate, increasing the number of new business start-ups, assisting with the growth of existing businesses, and maintaining a skilled workforce through raising qualification profiles and reducing skills shortages.BOLD FUTURE
Can you imagine the service station of the future, with solar panels atop the forecourt canopy in order to power the plug-in motor vehicles currently being developed as the next step in the battle to reduce carbon emissions?General Motors has set a target date of 2010 for its first plug-in hybrid, the Chevrolet Valet, while Toyota is currently trialling a version of its top-selling hybrid, the Prius, that could be recharged from a standard outlet and run solely on electric power.The Prius prototype is currently on the road in Southern California, with research scientists testing the concept by surveying consumers’ views before and after driving them.I can categorically state that these are great cars. I have been delighted with the performance of mine since swapping the previous Council Mayoral limousine from an eight-cylinder gas-guzzler to a Prius soon after I was elected in 2004.Now Council is looking to expand its fleet of hybrids, and converting the balance of vehicles to 10 per cent ethanol-fuelled as an initial step.My prediction is that oil companies will, within a decade, be forced to accept the inevitable and substitute some of their petrol bowsers at each station for a set of plug-in units, all solar powered.It’s an exciting concept.SIGN HIM UP – NOW
Honestly, I had nothing to do with the substitution of Essendon and Geelong for North Melbourne at next year’s AFL community camps here on the Gold Coast, nor Essendon playing Brisbane in the first NAB knock-out match here.As a matter of fact, despite my long-term family allegiance to the ‘Same-Olds’ – as the Essendon club was called before the government built an airport in the district – I will be supporting Brisbane in the match. After all, we’re all Queenslanders now.But I have to say the Essendon club, together with Collingwood, have been wonderful ambassadors for the code throughout the country over the past decade or so. Hence my delight when their long-term coach, Kevin Sheedy, put his hand up for the coach’s role when our new Gold Coast team is formed here.No single entity has had more of an impact on the game during his time at Essendon than Kevin, and he would be a wonderful asset in getting the new club up and away when the initial planning and promotion begins, as it must, early next year.The AFL should get Kevin on board as soon as possible – perhaps more in a mentoring role than a coaching one. His personality, knowledge and sheer enthusiasm and passion for the game are exactly what a new franchise needs.IT’S TIME FOR A COMPLETE BAN
It will be interesting to see how far our residents, and those throughout Australia, will go to assist the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions in their homes and their personal lives.For example, before becoming Mayor, I fought for years in conjunction with Jon Dee, founder and chair of the environmental group Planet Ark, to ban plastic bags entirely.I believed the first step towards this was to charge a tax of ten cents per bag, similar to the arrangements in Ireland and some UK stores. Given six billion plastic bags are used throughout Australia each year, such a tax could generate \$600 million annually for environmental causes such as the replenishment of trees and preservation of bushlands and associated native life Australia has been blessed with, but is losing fast.The revenue from the tax in Ireland funds similar preservation programs.Jon and I even served on a special committee established by the Federal Minister to look into the issue, but we were overwhelmed by industry representatives who pleaded to give retailers five more years to self-regulate.That period has passed with no noticeable effect, so millions and millions of these indestructible and unnecessary items are buried in landfill, polluting our streams, and millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide are emitted into the atmosphere each year from their manufacture.Let’s follow the example set by the UK’s new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and ban plastic bags completely by 2010.
WHATEVER WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT?
The latest news from London comes from my old stamping grounds in Covent Garden, where the London Greater City Council has laid pollution-eating paving stones for their roads and footpaths on Southampton Row. The blocks look like, and cost, about the same as normal grey paving slabs, but have a special top layer containing titanium dioxide. This substance has long been used as a whitener, but its ability to absorb pollution was only discovered recently.When activated by sunlight, the compound reduces carbon emissions by converting nitrogen dioxide gas (commonly known as smog) into harmless nitrates.With 30,000 vehicles travelling the four-lane road each day, and innumerable pedestrians on the footpath, if the trial succeeds as well as scientists predict, this simple solution could become an important element of the global fight to reduce the effects of carbon emissions.THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORT DEVELOPMENT ON THE GOLD COAST
Much as I hate to admit it, the suggestions made by Eddie McGuire as reported in The Gold Coast Bulletin on Thursday 6 December make sense.Although my brother and father, who between them played more than 400 games with the Essendon Football Club, would be horrified at my saying so, I would even support Collingwood if the AFL accepts Mr McGuire’s proposal to play six games on the Gold Coast in both 2008 and 2009 in order to finance a new stadium.This would also give the North Melbourne club more time to make up its mind, although frankly, if the Kangaroos don’t want to accept the wonderful terms the AFL has offered them to relocate, then the Gold Coast would be much better off with a new franchise.I know that St Kilda, too, are keen to play games here, so the good news is that there will be a continuation of four, and possibly up to eight, AFL games played at Carrara, with a team permanently located here by 2010.Meanwhile, the Gold Coast City Council will be working with the AFL, the State Government and perhaps the private sector to increase the ground’s spectator capacity to between 25,000 and 30,000.ON THE BENEFITS OF CHESS
I was delighted to read about the possibility of establishing a national chess academy here on the Gold Coast. Evidently two-thirds of one year’s estimated running costs for such an academy has already been pledged by supporters from the Gold Coast business community, and it’s hoped the balance can be sourced from the public and/or private sector to turn this dream into reality.This would be a wonderful addition to the Gold Coast that would bring Australia into line with so many nations that value and promote this game as a world-class sport.The benefits of chess are many – it develops memory, improves concentration, and enhances independence and the ability to visualise potential consequences from one’s actions. It’s also claimed that playing chess can promote healthy brain function in older people, and stimulate brain development in children.Best of all – chess is inexpensive, and as it’s a game where one’s ability is not age-dependent, there’s plenty of potential for cross-generational interaction. Though it is embarrassing to be beaten by a six-year old.ACTION IS NEEDED NOW
Although there is no doubt the recent survey conducted by Colliers International, as extensively reported in The Gold Coast Bulletin on Thursday 6 December, demonstrates the astonishing growth of our city, it should also bring with it some concerns.The biennial report cited that the current growth, with \$66 billion in the pipeline, is up 381 per cent from 2001, and 58 per cent since the last report in 2005.What’s more, the analysis only includes projects worth more than \$10 million, so there were many more developments taking place that have been excluded from these prolific figures.I strongly believe this rate of expansion will severely strain the region’s infrastructure, and with it, the lifestyle of our current residents. Its very size shows how difficult it will be to mitigate if left unabated, and how urgent it has become to begin to establish ways and means of reining it in.The quality of life for us all is under threat if some sort of action is not taken in the near future.
THANKS FOR THE HELP
Contrary to recent reports, the Gold Coast has been doing better and better with the grants and subsidies received from both Federal and State governments.Over the past four years we have received more than \$119 million in direct grants and subsidies, in addition to the huge sums invested in road-widening, water infrastructure, sporting facilities, such as Skilled Park, and social/affordable housing.Although the success of our grant and subsidy applications rely more on the efficiency of our Council officers than on any political influence, the assistance and presentations done on our behalf by both our State and Federal members needs to be recognised and appreciated.In particular, our two Federal representatives who received such a high proportion of votes in last Saturday’s election, thoroughly deserved their victories for the hard work they have put in on behalf of the city during their previous terms.OUR BATTLE FOR JUSTICE HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN
Last Wednesday, together with our Director of Finance, I had the opportunity to meet with the Under-Secretary of the Treasury and two of his officers. Each of the South East Queensland mayors have either met, or will be meeting, with the same group to discuss compensation for their municipality’s bulk water assets, and future arrangements for the balance of their water assets involved with the distribution of treated water to residences and businesses within their area.Our discussions were blessed with the presence of the Treasurer himself. The Treasury officials were very reasonable, and the entire Treasury department is investigating all the facts and arguments in regard to the degree and method of the compensation very thoroughly.We are assured a conclusion to these extended considerations will be made, and communicated, by mid-December. Important though this is (as the ruling will make a huge difference to our City finances), Stage 2 will be even more significant, but will not be decided until after the Council elections next March.Stage 2 involves the pricing of wholesale water to Councils or groups of Councils, and the retail price that we will charge, or be allowed to charge, to our customers.There will be many tough fights ahead for the new Councillors, and Mayors, to negotiate.THE BENEFITS OF OXYGEN
The advantages to athletic performance of being born at altitude only became apparent with the progress made by Kenyan runners Kip Keino and Naftali Temu, and Ethiopian Abebe Bikila in the 1960s, and in particular, at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.It was my good fortune (or bad luck, depending on your point of view) to be vitally involved during this era that ended with every distance record on the books being established by athletes born and bred in altitude countries.Scientists and competitors alike quickly realised the advantages of somehow increasing the body’s ability to simulate these ‘altitude’ champions, either by artificial or natural means.I tried natural means by spending time living and training at high altitudes, but this took too much time away from family and work. Others tried artificial means by withdrawing blood, allowing the haemoglobin to increase to adjust for the loss, then reinserting the original blood back into the body after having stored it for a few months. The United States won all cycling medals at the 1984 Olympics before the practice, called ‘blood doping’, was banned.Closer to home, Brisbane football players used hypoxicator machines to replicate these effects before this measure was banned by the AFL. Now the Collingwood Football Club has applied to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to declare these units legal, and a decision is expected shortly.A positive ruling will change the face of football training in all codes.
WHERE ARE OUR REPRESENTATIVES WHEN WE NEED THEM?
My friends in Queensland Police tell me it its difficult to entice extra staff to come to the Gold Coast because this area is so badly understaffed that every officer stationed here is overworked.These allegations were supported by last week’s release of the Queensland Police Service Annual Report to Parliament.On the Gold Coast there is one officer for every 608 people, not counting the tourists.This compares with one officer per 353 people in the far northern areas, and an average of one per 439 residents throughout Queensland.The Gold Coast is the state’s most active zone in terms of events such as Indy and Schoolies, with a higher proportion of visitors and nightlife than anywhere else. Therefore you would think the Minister would be looking to bring a higher than average ratio of officers to people here, rather than leaving us almost 40 per cent worse off.Yet in the State Parliament debate on the issue, not one Gold Coast parliamentarian stood up and put forward our case for twice the officers currently deployed here.WELCOME TO THE HILTON
The Raptis Group’s recent announcement of their commitment to build another twin towers development in Surfers Paradise incorporating the Gold Coast’s first-ever Hilton Hotel, is a great coup for this city.Jim Raptis has enhanced the ambience of our lifestyle not only by his innovative and award-winning designs, but also by establishing a standard all other developers need to match.Initially in Broadbeach with the Phoenician and then the Marrakesh, Surfers Paradise (Chevron Renaissance, the Holiday Inn), and Southport (Southport Central), his iconic high-rise developments have transformed these areas by raising the bar to new heights.This project represents the investment of a further \$600 million into our city. However these towers, which will span an entire block from Surfers Paradise Boulevard through to Orchid Avenue on the old Dolphin Arcade site, will be seriously hampered by the traffic restrictions imposed by the proposed Rapid Transit System (RTS). The basement multi-storey car park (and one cannot imagine any visitor to the Hilton or its associated residences and offices ever using public transport to reach the complex) will be accessed from the Boulevard, which is to be restricted by the RTS to just the one line of motor vehicles going from north to south, with no kerbside parking (and therefore no taxi rank).What’s more, the closure of the Boulevard to construct the system will occur around 2010/11 – just after the first tower has opened, and while the larger tower is still being constructed. The traffic chaos that would result can only be imagined.ON THE FALLOUT OF AMALGAMATIONS
As from this weekend, the Australian Electoral Commission will be conducting a plebiscite via postal vote to all those Queensland residents whose local Councils were amalgamated, we are told, in the interests of efficiency.Efficiencies in size are usually the product of streamlining services and human resources, but the government has guaranteed not one employee will lose their job as a result of the amalgamations.The only Gold Coast residents to be polled will be those north of the Albert River, who will become a part of Logan as from next year’s Council elections on 15 March.They will be allowed two weeks (until 8 December 2007) to mail their opinions back to the Commission, with the Federal Government meeting all costs involved.How they vote is the prerogative of the 40,000 or so residents of Beenleigh, Eagleby and Bethania, but I have to comment that most of the amalgamations were completely unnecessary. Neighbouring and even clusters of councils were already moving together to combine services and make other savings under a program initiated by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ).LEVEL 6 RESTRICTIONS
Level 6 water restrictions came into effect this weekend, but the only significant differences between these and Level 5 are the requirement for those businesses that have not already reduced their water usage to submit performance plans as to how, and to what extent, they will be complying.The level of the Hinze Dam has remained relatively stable (at just under 60 per cent) for some two months, and we are currently entering the period of traditionally high rainfall but, as the last eight years have demonstrated, climate change has meant past patterns can no longer be relied upon.That said, even if drought conditions prevail for yet another year, provided South East Queensland residents can maintain their current daily use of less than 140 litres per person per day, we should all be okay. The crucial date is January 2009. Both the desalination plant and the water recycling plant in Logan, together with the water grid pipelines, will be in place by then to add a further 300 to 400 megalitres per day to the entire region’s supplies.This should mean an equilibrium in our water usage versus inflow, but, unless we receive some heavy rain in the interim, the government still hasn’t established sufficient margin with their water supplies to match the population growth they are projecting, let alone to build up any reserves in our dams.
SOME MPs ARE RENEGING ON THEIR RESPONSIBILITY
It is disappointing that some of our Labor state members of Parliament who were briefed by Shaun Cox, the director of Gold Coast Water, and our Chief Executive Officer, Dale Dickson, are still playing the political game and echoing the government message on the losses Gold Coast ratepayers are about to incur with the government takeover of our water assets.To his credit, one of their colleagues, Peter Lawlor, MP, understood the issue, and supported our case.But the others either did not understand our position, or chose not to.The essence of the debate is that the Hinze Dam, with a capacity of 176,700 million litres, plus six water treatment plants, worth at least \$1 billion, will be taken away by the state for a sum of about \$400 million.The same government is planning to build a new dam at Traveston, of about the same size, without the treatments plants, for \$2 billion – five times their offer to us.To make matters worse, they do not even want to pay us in cash. Rather, it will be deducted from any Treasury loans we currently hold, then any balance left after paying these off can only be used for capital projects the government approves.WHEN WILL THEY START TO LISTEN?
The government taking over our water assets for the water grid is the same one that didn’t believe desalination was necessary when the Gold Coast first approached them about it in 2004.It wasn’t until we were well underway with its planning and I was able to speak to Premier Beattie about it (almost by force, by cadging a ride with him in his limousine between two of his Gold Coast appointments) that they finally became interested.The government remains disdainful of the process, preferring to rely on the rainfall both the CSIRO and United Nations Climatology Forum are saying is never going to come in the quantities that were once the norm.The state is currently undertaking more than \$5 billion worth of investment in the south-east water grid, all based on the premise that annual rainfall will return to the patterns of the twentieth century.When will the government take notice of their own – and the world’s – expert climatologists?JOIN US NEXT WEDNESDAY
Next Wednesday morning (21 November 2007) I will be hosting a briefing where we are aiming to confer with our business community leaders on the ramifications and issues involved with the State Government’s takeover of our city’s water assets.The briefing is being held at the Gold Coast Arts Centre alongside our Council offices in Bundall, and will commence at 7.00 am.Any resident who’s interested – and we all should be – can come along to have the position explained to them by Shaun Cox, Director of Gold Coast Water, and Dale Dickson, Chief Executive Officer of the Gold Coast City Council.As the government is saying it wants to finalise the matter by the end of November, I feel all our commercial and residential stakeholders should understand exactly what the repercussions will be should (when) the government gets its way.Seats are limited, so please RSVP to Sonia on (07) 5581 6120 by noon on Tuesday 20 November 2007.IN DEFENCE OF SCHOOLIES
Every year the popular media makes much of the unacceptable behaviour of a minority of young people celebrating Schoolies on the Gold Coast, particularly highlighting drunkenness and violence.However, I firmly believe this demographic is sadly maligned, as the vast majority of Schoolies are responsible and well-behaved most of the time – as indeed are young people in general.Official statistics support this – last year’s figures showed that, despite record attendance, less than one per cent of all Schoolies visiting the Gold Coast were arrested.Last year I walked through the Schoolies precinct at about 1.00 am, and was most impressed to see the majority of the youngsters enjoying the party atmosphere and events safely and without causing trouble. And many were drinking water as opposed to the gallons of alcohol the news reports would have us believe is the norm for all Schoolies.This year’s designation of an exclusive Schoolies area is an excellent innovation that will help to protect these youngsters from the older hangers-on whose frequent troublemaking blights public perception of the event.The festival may be somewhat noisy, but after all, that’s what young people do – and we were all young once. Accordingly, I’d like to welcome all Schoolies to the Gold Coast, and wish you all a safe and memorable stay in our wonderful city.
THANKS MICHELLE – WE STILL NEED YOU
Michelle Monsour, whose management contract was surprisingly not renewed by the National Trust, has performed wonders with the fortunes and status of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and their animal hospital, since her appointment a few years ago.Her management skills and entrepreneurial abilities are second to none, and the Trust was very fortunate indeed to have recruited such a remarkable lady in the first instance.The very fact that Michelle developed such a close relationship with a sister zoo in China and all but confirmed an arrangement to secure two giant pandas for Currumbin (until the Minister for Foreign Affairs took over the deal for his home zoo in Adelaide) illustrates her foresight and powers of persuasion.I’m sure the National Trust has its reasons – which I trust are valid, and have nothing to do with Michelle’s past life which, she has admitted has been tough. But the Trust is discarding a gem who will be difficult, if not impossible, to replace.All I can say is: ‘Thanks Michelle, you did us proud,’ and plead with the Directors to change their minds.PREMIER, WHY WON’T YOU AGREE TO AN INDEPENDENT UMPIRE?
Our residents cannot begin to believe how frustrating it is to deal with the State Government about the matter of compensation for their water assets.The Premier, who I readily admit is a much better politician than any of we poor mayors, went on radio after us (never before) and ostensibly refuted our arguments with a mixture of disparaging personal remarks about our ability to comprehend and only half-correct ‘facts’, and invited us to meet with her so she can explain these complex issues.I am qualified (and practiced for three decades) as a chartered accountant, and Campbell Newman has many years of civil engineering behind him. We do not need to be lectured about asset valuation.Secondly, amongst other matters, the Premier rejected our proposal for an independent expert to arbitrate, claiming the Government’s consultants, and ours, were all experts.And they are. But our understanding is that Treasury had their expert advice altered to suit their stance. This may or may not be true, but the fact is that our experts have reputations just as outstanding as theirs, and they disagree with the Treasury's methodology.We are happy enough to say ‘okay, we’ll abide by an independent panel’s judgment in an open hearing’ – why can’t the Premier do the same? Is it because Treasury knows an independent expert will not support the State Government’s stance?DIVERSITY IS INSURANCE
A recent report on inbound tourism to the USA cited ‘the welcome experience’ as the cause of a sharp decline in tourist revenue since 2001.This decline equates to a 17 per cent drop in inbound travel, or \$US94 billion (\$A103.2 billion) in visitor spending. And nearly 200,000 jobs.Evidently there’s a widespread perception among travellers that the US entry experience – including visa acquisition communication issues – ranks among the world’s worst, and something many would prefer to avoid.While Australia in general and the Gold Coast in particular have long been renowned as safe and friendly travel destinations, the US experience highlights two important factors for any economy with a large tourist component, like ours.The first is the need to ensure the tourist experience is as problem-free and enjoyable as possible.The second is for tourist cities to develop other professions and industries that, while complementing the tourism stream, operate independently. This ensures a diversity of economic activity, providing balance during times of change.REPEATING HISTORY
Any doubts about climate change could be dispelled by recent statistics showing that Melbourne is presently in the grip of its worst drought on record, with the 2974 millimetres of rainfall recorded in the six years to October 2007 surpassing the previous six-year low of 3330 millimetres, set in 1904.While the differences in rainfall here on the Gold Coast for similar periods shows a lesser variance (7773.2 millimetres during the six years to 2007, and 7232.8 for the six years ending 1904), the demand placed on our water supply has increased in line with the phenomenal growth of our population.Accordingly, additional water supplies will need to be sourced, and while building new dams will assist with this, the exploring of alternative water sources could ensure supplementary supplies when rainfall declines or consumer demand increases.Currently all the Government’s future plans and budgeted expenditure are based on building new dams or enhancing old ones, together with pipelines and pumping stations to transport the rainwater they will send to Brisbane.There are no alternative options if climate change is a reality, and very little rain actually falls. This is the same mistake the government made in relying on the Wivenhoe Dam, as they do at present.
VERY HEALTHY WATERWAYS
Last week we received welcome news in the form of the Waterway Ecosystem Health Report Card 2007.Released each year by the Moreton Bay Waterways and Catchments Partnership, the Report Card provides a rating for each of South East Queensland’s 18 major catchments, including the 13 waterways that fall within Gold Coast City. Both freshwater and estuarine/marine waterways are regularly monitored to produce the ratings, which apply to the period spanning July to June of each year.The results were promising – nine of the waterways (or about 70 per cent) either retained or bettered last year’s rating. This included an A-minus result for the Nerang catchment, which not only reflects dramatic improvement on last year’s C-plus rating, but also means it is one of the healthiest systems in South-East Queensland.Now in its seventh year, the Ecosystem Health Report Card also provides valuable insight into the impact of waterway and catchment management strategies such as riverbank rehabilitation projects and improvements to wastewater treatment plants.In this way, we receive regular expert input on which strategies are most effective, and which areas need further improvement. It’s a valuable resource in many, many ways.… AND A SMART COMMUNITY
In what must have been ‘good news week’ for our city, the Gold Coast was also named as one of the world’s 21 smart communities.The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), a not-for-profit organisation focusing on economic development within the broadband community, compiled the list from hundreds of submissions. The Gold Coast was the only Australian community to grace the list, which also featured communities from the USA, Canada, Sweden, India, Malta, the UK, Qatar and South Korea.To be listed in the Smart 21, a community must have a documented strategy for creating local prosperity that incorporates use of broadband and IT to stimulate job creation, generate economic growth and build digital skills throughout the community.Being well aware of the importance broadband to the community’s economic strength, Council’s Economic Development branch is currently completing a city-wide broadband master strategy to plan its next phase of improvement in this realm.SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT
I was delighted to hear of last week’s ARIA win by ’Operator Please’, the teenage band from Elanora.This talented group of youngsters have put the Gold Coast on the map for the best of reasons – home-grown success is something we can all celebrate and be heartily proud about.In the two years since they formed to enter a secondary school Battle of the Bands competition, they’ve secured a recording contract, toured extensively to appreciative audiences and critics, and now scored a coveted ARIA for their quirky song Just a Song About Ping Pong.Many past winners of the Best Breakthrough Artist – Single ARIA, including Jet and Delta Goodrem, have quickly progressed to widespread success. Indeed, ‘silverchair’, who cleaned up five of this year’s top awards, won their first ARIA for Best Breakthrough Artist – Single in 1995, when they were of similar age to the members of ‘Operator Please’.Who knows whe
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