Category Archives: Brisbane

Queensland regional unemployment maps, May 2013

I’ve prepared some maps based on the ABS regional unemployment rate data released yesterday. I’ve taken the numbers from Queensland Treasury’s briefing on the data, which presents 12-month moving averages of the ABS data to smooth out the high degree … Continue reading

Posted in Brisbane, Cairns, Labour market, Wide Bay-Burnett | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

SEQ’s extensive but costly public transport system requires thorough review

I’m pleased the State Government is reviewing public transport fares, as reported earlier today in Quest Newspapers: The State Government has made a commitment to address public transport fares in order to establish a new fare structure for southeast Queensland. … Continue reading

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Where do Queensland’s super rich live?

Queensland’s super rich are most prevalent in the Ascot-Hamilton and Kenmore-Brookfield areas in Brisbane and up and down the Gold Coast, if registration data by postcode for super luxury cars – Rolls Royce, Bentley, Ferrari and Lamborghini – are a … Continue reading

Posted in Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Townsville, Transport | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Potentially large economic and environmental benefits from improving pedestrian safety

I’m pleased to see the Queensland Government will install flashing lights at schools with a view to improving pedestrian safety, as reported by the Sunshine Coast Daily earlier today: WALKING to and from school will be safer for children and … Continue reading

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Large disparity in unemployment rates across Brisbane suburbs

An important policy debate in 2012 was around the level of unemployment benefits, with welfare groups such as ACOSS arguing people on Newstart could be too poor to look for work (as reported on news.com.au). I have some sympathy for … Continue reading

Posted in Brisbane, Cairns, Labour market, Townsville | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Maybe the electricity network hasn’t been gold plated

Prime Minister Julia Gillard might find it hard to convince South East Queenslanders that the electricity network has been gold plated if we see more power outages such as occurred at Paddington in Brisbane this afternoon around 5.20pm in response … Continue reading

Posted in Brisbane, Infrastructure | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Storms and floods reveal need for public education campaign on disasters

After South-East Queensland’s wild weekend of storms, the Queensland Government should consider a public education campaign on how to stay safe during storms and floods, as the Bureau of Meteorology obviously doesn’t see that as its role. While the Bureau … Continue reading

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Stop Not Till the Goal is Reached

The developer of Springfield, Maha Sinnathamby, thinks like a winner. No matter what difficulties life throws at him – the collapse of his first property empire or the near collapse of his second, Springfield – he faces each challenge with … Continue reading

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Park Rd CityCat stop and pedestrian subways are best ideas for River’s Edge Strategy

Although living by the Brisbane River has its downsides (e.g. a major flood once every generation or so), it is largely a positive experience, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to catch the CityCat into work everyday. When … Continue reading

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Toowong-West End bridge should be next on the agenda

I’m pleased to see the Government is allowing 12-storey high-rise developments in Brisbane’s West End (New ending in tale of West End’s 12 storeys), because I’ve long believed Brisbane needs to increase its population density if it is to meet … Continue reading

Posted in Brisbane | 1 Comment