South East Queensland won't cope with future transport demand without these 47 projects, mayors warn3/31/2019 Updated January 24, 2019 15:43:55
![]() South East Queensland mayors have warned Brisbane's transport woes could rival Sydney and Melbourne's if annual transport infrastructure spending does not improve. Key pointsThe SEQ Council of Mayors wants 47 projects completed at a cost of $63.7 billion by 2041The group of mayors believes the region won't be able to cope with population growth without themThe current annual spend on infrastructure transport is between $2-3 billion. To avoid gridlock by 2041, the group of councils is asking for most of more than $60 billion, to be stumped up by the state and federal governments over the next two decades. But just how feasible is the plan? What are they asking for? According to a SEQ Council of Mayors study released today, the region's population is expected to grow by more than 1 million in the next 12 years. By 2041, the study claims the region will have more than 5 million residents living in it. Its prediction is that current transport strategies, services and infrastructure will not be able to cope with that future transport demand. If there's no intervention, the study reveals it will drastically impact the region's ability to grow sustainably and compete as a global city. In the study, 47 projects have been put forward at a total cost of $63.7 billion. Many of these projects have dominated headlines for years, while others are just starting to gain traction. ![]() Here's a no-surprises list of some of the projects the mayors would like to see completed by 2041: Brisbane Metro ($2.7b) Centenary Motorway upgrade ($1.1b)Cross River Rail ($5.4b)Mt Lindesay and Ipswich Motorway upgrades ($0.28bn & $1.9b)North Coast Rail Line duplication ($0.78b)Fast Rail from Brisbane to Ipswich, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast ($1.7b, $3.4b and $4.57b)Is it a reasonable request? The councils and the RACQ say it is. According to Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, the annual spend on infrastructure transport in SEQ (across all sectors of government) is now sitting at somewhere between $2 billion and $3 billion. ![]() That's compared to about $5 billion per annum spent between 2009 and 2013. To achieve all 47 projects, the annual spend across all levels of government would need to rise to $3.5b until 2031. From then to 2041, it can slide to a lower level of spending, which averages out at around $2.7b per year to be spent between now and 2041. Cr Quirk says lifting that spending isn't unrealistic. "Ultimately that money has to be spent," he said. "We're seeing at the moment in Sydney and Melbourne, colossal amounts of money being spent on infrastructure, but it's catching up. "It's not economically efficient to do that." Will they get the money? The RACQ's Paul Turner said the plan was "aspirational", but warned governments to stop politicking and fund the projects. "One of the biggest problems we've had in Queensland is that there's three levels of government, they rarely seem to agree," Mr Turner said. "It seems to be based often on politics rather than on actual infrastructure priorities. "This is a great start today by these councils but we're going to need the state and federal governments to step up and play their part as well." Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the State Government was already doing "the heavy lifting", urging the Federal Government to come to the table. "The need for infrastructure in South East Queensland is very clear," Mr Bailey said. "This report is a very important one, but the elephant in the room is we need a Federal Government who is committed to infrastructure in South East Queensland. If the projects aren't completed, there's also an Olympic Games bid at stake. Yes, Brisbane has been looking into bidding for the Olympic Games for some years now. While Cr Quirk said there's been no decision as to whether it would be made for the 2032 Olympics, he said a bid wouldn't be possible at all, if those projects weren't completed. ![]() First posted January 24, 2019 14:38:29 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-24/queensland-transport-infrastructure-plan/10745918?source=rss
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Updated March 15, 2019 10:28:39
![]() Brent Harrison is out of a job and facing financial ruin. Key points:Senate committee finds franchising needs a drastic and immediate regulatory overhaulCommittee recommends a multi-agency investigation into many business practices at Retail Food GroupJamaica Blue franchisee Brent Harrison is locked in a legal battle with franchisor Foodco over a million dollars in alleged losses It has been a long and slow decline for the young Queenslander, who diligently amassed a neat little pile of cash toiling on oil rigs off Australia's north-west coast. Three years ago, Harrison decided it was time to come home, work regular hours and spend more time with his family. Attracted by the idea of running his own business, Mr Harrison looked at franchise operations and eventually settled on Jamaica Blue, a coffee shop chain run by Foodco. They offered him a new outlet on the Gold Coast, not far from the company's very first outlet in Coolangatta. But things didn't work out as planned. Mr Harrison claims Foodco owes him $1 million and he's using the last of his savings in a legal battle with the company. The case hinges around what Mr Harrison has alleged were the inflated sales figures Foodco sent him, claiming he took out a loan based on unrealistic earnings estimates. "The crux of our claim is misrepresentation that was used to induce me to buy the store," he told The Business. Mr Harrison was offered a franchise for $475,000 after doing a course with Foodco. He took on debt to fund the deal and the added expenses of establishing the operation. "On top of that, you've got your working capital, a bank guarantee, so by the time it adds up, you're around the $600,000 mark to get it up and running," he explained. The clincher for the deal was an email from Queensland Foodco executive Luke Stenner that estimated the shop would generate up to $30,000 a week in sales. That is $1.8 million a year. The company has since argued he should never have relied upon that information. When Mr Harrison ran into trouble and missed paying the rent and franchise fees, Foodco seized control of the cafe. Foodco refused to comment for this story, arguing that it was inappropriate given the matter was before the court. "It's supposed to be a partnership but it's more like a dictatorship," Mr Harrison said. Franchise sector requires drastic overhaul, report says Mr Harrison's story is not unique. Nor is it unusual. According to the findings of a recently released senate committee report triggered in part by a Four Corners investigation into 7-Eleven worker exploitation the entire franchise sector requires drastic and immediate overhaul. It recommended civil law penalties be included in the industry code along with greater enforcement power for the competition watchdog to help eradicate "exploitative behaviour" in the franchise sector. In addition, the senate committee has called for better disclosure, particularly around financial performance when franchises are sold, and it has demanded greater accountability about how compulsory marketing levies are spent. ![]() The committee wants the Federal Government to establish a taskforce to oversee and implement its recommendations. It also took aim at Foodco rival, Retail Food Group, demanding a multi-agency investigation into the company from the competition regulator, the Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. It wants the agencies to probe current and former directors over allegations of insider trading, short selling, market disclosure obligation breaches and tax evasion. Retail Food Group, which is behind Michel's Patisserie, Gloria Jeans, Brumby's Bakery, Donut King and Crust Pizza, has been embroiled in controversy over worker exploitation and tales of hardship from franchisees. There was no mention of the latest developments on its website after the committee's findings were delivered. Instead, under its "Latest News" heading, RFG had stories that included: "On a roll: Brumby's Bakery at Baking Awards" and "Kings of Pizza Spin Out New Look Store". 'Lives ruined' by shattered franchise dreams Mr Harrison explained that things began going off the rails almost immediately, as his sales fell well short of projections. "Three months into it and turnover wasn't anywhere near where we needed we weren't exactly streets apart, we were planets apart," he explained. A little more than 15 months into the venture, Mr Harrison was experiencing severe cash flow problems and missed rent and franchise payments, prompting Foodco to seize control of his business. The business performance has not improved, according to documents sighted by the ABC. Reflecting that, Foodco now has Mr Harrison's Jamaica Blue coffee shop up for sale at just $220,000 less than half the price at which it sold the greenfield operation to him. The senate inquiry uncovered examples where others had similar experiences. Senator John Williams quizzed Foodco managing director Serge Infanti about a case where a loss-making business was sold for $300,000 in Sydney's Burwood. "Had the business been making a profit prior to her buying it?" he asked. "Not that we believe," Mr Infanti replied. "But there was no profit/loss in the sale contract." "So she bought the business and it wasn't really making a profit and she paid $300,000?" the senator continued. "I'm not sure of the price," Mr Infanti replied. For Mr Harrison, the report's findings are timely, but cold comfort. "There's a lot of people out there whose lives have been ruined, just been destroyed," he said. Topics:retail,food-and-beverage,consumer-protection,regulation,federal-parliament,australia,coolangatta-4225,qld First posted March 14, 2019 16:21:59 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-14/franchise-senate-report-slams-exploitation/10900582?source=rss ![]() HOUSEHUNTERS are eyeing of this Cape Cod abode which has a perfect blend of coastal chic and contemporary comfort. The custom-built, five-bedroom Southport house was one of Australias most viewed properties on realestate.com.au last week. The Brighton Pde house was also the fourth most popular property on the market in Queensland, raking in a high number of clicks from buyers and those trawling the internet looking at dream homes. ![]() ![]() Designed by renowned Gold Coast architect Bayden Goddard, the three-level, Hamptons-style house is within The Southport School precinct, has a six-car garage, wine cellar, pool and seamless indoor and outdoor living and entertaining. Owners Kate and Price Gallie, who built the property to raise their four sons, are used to their luxury house being in the spotlight. Its always been very much loved on Pinterest, it won Australias best room many years ago in Home Beautiful magazine it has always been out there and people seem to love it, Ms Gallie said. They love the high ceilings and the light, the architect has done a great job. And I had a great time styling and decorating it as well. MORE NEWS: Enchanting Tamborine Mountain cottage ready for next chapter MORE NEWS: Tallebudgera Valley gingerbread house snapped up in pre-auction deal ![]() ![]() The house that stands on the Southport block today is a far cry from the two old houses they bought a decade ago. They demolished the properties and then built their Cape Cod meets Noosa dream home. The Gallie family have plans to build another luxury house locally and hope it will be just as spectacular. My husband compares it to a rock group who put out their first album will it be a one-hit wonder? Was it a fluke?, Ms Gallie said. I hope I dont regret leaving, its going to be hard one to leave. ![]() ![]() Ray White Prestige Surfers Paradise agent Jackson Paradise, who is marketing the property, said its popularity was thanks to the style and architecture. When you get in the house its even better than the photos, Mr Paradise said. It is one of the best designed family homes we have ever seen on the Gold Coast its iconic. It is one of the areas most recognised homes and stands in a league of its own. ![]() Mr Paradise said the size of the property was also a big plus. The kids can be playing down one end of the house and adults can have their side of the house so youre not on top of each other all the time, he said. Its very rare you can get a backyard as big as this in a house so close to the CBD. Locals, Brisbane buyers and even someone from Sydney have shown interest ahead of its auction, scheduled for April 7. https://www.couriermail.com.au/real-estate/queensland/gold-coast/southport-house-a-popular-choice-for-househunters/news-story/b13d719a1864bfe64d1f6ec3907d887d March 12 marks the 30th anniversary of the World Wide Web. Here are some facts about it:
- In 1989, working at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, known as CERN, Sir Tim Berners-Lee submitted a proposal for information management that would go on to transform the way people communicate and consume information. - The World Wide Web was developed out of frustration Sir Tim invented the World Wide Web because he was frustrated to have to constantly log on to a different computer every time he wanted to access different information not on his main computer. - 'Vague but exciting' Sir Tim's boss at CERN, Mike Sendall, left three short but powerful words when he first received the proposal paper for the World Wide Web: "Vague but exciting." At the end, he simply said: "And now?" - The World Wide Web is not the same as the internet The World Wide Web and the internet are wrongly confused as the same thing - something Sir Tim is quick to correct people on. The internet, which is a network of networks formed of computers, existed long before the World Wide Web. WWW is the transfer of information, whether it be text, documents or other rich content like videos. - The World Wide Web was almost called something completely different Sir Tim considered a number of name options before settling on World Wide Web. Among the contenders were Mine of Information, The Information Mine and Information Mesh. - The first website just explained what the World Wide Web was The first web page, defining what the Web is, did not go live until August 6, 1991. A copy of it can still be viewed today: http://info.cern.ch/hypertext/WWW/TheProject.html - The first web browser was also called WorldWideWeb Years before the Internet Explorer, Sir Tim also created the first web browser, which went by the same name, WorldWideWeb. - You can still see how the Web looked originally Developers and designers at CERN recently rebuilt the original browser, allowing people to experience the World Wide Web as it was first intended. Anyone can try the browser out by visiting https://worldwideweb.cern.ch. Originally published as Things to know about the World Wide Web https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/things-to-know-about-the-world-wide-web/news-story/ddb0c9b9855294a2631e7a9f84107799 ![]() A coastal family home offers a generous splash of grandeur in beautiful Grange. The four-bedroom home at 3 Albany St, set on a 441sqm block, has impressive street appeal that hints at the luxury beyond those double doors. The front entry opens to a foyer with a built-in aquarium, one of the largest in Adelaide, leading through to the spacious open family, living, dining and kitchen area. It is home to local species of Flathead, Trevally, a Harlequin fish, crabs and a lobster, and has previously also featured Stingrays, Whiting and a Port Jackson shark. Read more about the home here. ![]() ![]() A mix of industrial features, the family area has stunning Italian designer pendants and exposed beams, plus wide bi-fold doors that completely open the space out to the lavish alfresco. The lower level also features a spacious home theatre, a fourth bedroom/optional study, a bathroom and a laundry. ![]() ![]() Upstairs, the master suite has an ensuite built into the room, with a stand alone bath, double shower, double vanity and hidden toilet. The remaining two bedrooms are well-sized, with built-in robes, and close to the main bathroom. The property is on the market with Ous Property https://www.couriermail.com.au/real-estate/south-australia/a-fish-lovers-delight/news-story/901a486179d96c6b86033ef85aec8a96 A NOTE ABOUT RELEVANT ADVERTISING: We collect information about the content (including ads) you use across this site and use it to make both advertising and content more relevant to you on our network and other sites. This is also known as Online Behavioural Advertising. You can find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-outhere.
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/candlelight-vigils-held-across-country-for-murdered-preethi-reddy/video/4d0b0bdad856535869fda75cd9d22282 White House communications director Bill Shine has resigned to take a position in US President Trumps re-election campaign, the White House announced on Friday.
The former Fox News executive will serve as a senior adviser to the 2020 campaign. Mr Shine called his tenure at the White House which lasted under a year the most rewarding experience of my life. Im looking forward to working on President Trumps re-election campaign and spending more time with my family, he said in a statement. The feeling was reciprocated, with Mr Trump lauding Mr Shine. Bill Shine has done an outstanding job working for me and the Administration. We will miss him in the White House, but look forward to working together on the 2020 Presidential Campaign, where he will be totally involved. Thank you to Bill and his wonderful family! the president said. Mr Shine follows a long line of departing White House communications directors under Mr Trump. White House press secretary Sean Spicer also filled the role. So did Michael Dubke, who lasted from March through May 2017. And then there was Anthony Scaramuccis 11 days in the job. Former campaign press secretary Hope Hicks was later elevated to the position. She quit last February and now works for Fox News. This article originally appeared on the New York Post and has been republished with permission. Originally published as Trump loses fifth comms director https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/bill-shine-donald-trumps-fifth-white-house-communications-director-resigns/news-story/bf63754cb0847dc23a9673322091afa7 A NOTE ABOUT RELEVANT ADVERTISING: We collect information about the content (including ads) you use across this site and use it to make both advertising and content more relevant to you on our network and other sites. This is also known as Online Behavioural Advertising. You can find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-outhere.
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