Monthly Archives: August 2010

Residential building approvals down again

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Gene Tunny

Residential building approvals fell 18% (seasonally adjusted) in Queensland in July, compared with a 2.3% increase nationally, suggesting Queensland’s residential construction industry is set for a period of softness.  Hence we’ll be relying on strong export growth from the mining … Continue reading →

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Record July for Port of Townsville

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Gene Tunny

With all the bad economic news coming out of the US, and concerns about sluggish business investment in Australia, it’s pleasing to read good news coming out of Townsville: THE Port of Townsville has had a record start to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Exports, Townsville | 1 Comment

Cairns still struggling, but the future looks brighter

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Gene Tunny

While the broader Queensland economy has strengthened in the wake of the financial crisis, Cairns is still struggling, with an unemployment rate of over 10% compared with the Queensland average rate of around 5.5%.  Nonetheless, Cairns businesses are excited about … Continue reading →

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No go card

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Gene Tunny

The go card readers on Brisbane buses and City Cats appear to be playing up a bit lately, taking their time to get ready to read your card, and I’ve heard chatter (or did I read it in mX?) that … Continue reading →

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Will the Force from the North deliver NQ Statehood?

Posted on August 22, 2010 by Gene Tunny

With the Force from the North, Bob Katter MP, now a member of an exclusive triad that will anoint the next Australian PM, the odds of a new State of North Queensland (NQ) being created have shortened (although they probably … Continue reading →

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Ban on Gold Coast party houses unlikely

Posted on August 20, 2010 by Gene Tunny

For a City that owes its existence and livelihood to tourism, it’s a little surprising that some Gold Coast residents would push for a ban on short-term holiday accommodation. As reported in today’s Gold Coast Bulletin: The Short Term Accommodation … Continue reading →

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It doesn’t look like a good time to buy property

Posted on August 19, 2010 by Gene Tunny

The free mX newspaper reports today that: Brisbane’s property market is almost 30 per cent more expensive than it was a year ago, a new report has found. A joint study by the Housing Industry Association and the Commonwealth Bank … Continue reading →

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If you want a pay rise, you may want to look for a government job

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Gene Tunny

The latest ABS Labour Price Index report suggests that public servants have escaped the financial crisis unscathed, with public sector hourly pay rates growing at 4% over 2009-10.  In contrast, perhaps because private sector employers remain cautious in the wake … Continue reading →

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From the paddock to the plate (or the bowser)

Posted on August 17, 2010 by Gene Tunny

The Gillard Government’s Agriculture Minister Tony Burke launched Labor’s agriculture election platform today, which includes the commitment that, if re-elected, the Government will develop a National Food Plan: The Federal Labor Government will develop a National Food Plan, to better … Continue reading →

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Should we repeal the compulsory bike helmet law?

Posted on August 13, 2010 by Gene Tunny

Brisbane City Council’s plan to turn Brisbane into a cycling haven, akin to say Copenhagen or Amsterdam, looks like it may be frustrated by Queensland’s compulsory helmet law. The Council’s inner city bike hire scheme will be less attractive if … Continue reading →

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