Archive for December, 2007
Has Anybody Seen Any Rain?
Typically the summer months (January-March) bring heavy rain and this replenishes the dams. The dams are currently the only source to supply the city and suburbs with fresh water and the last two years have been dry summers ~ there really hasn’t been any rain.
Currently at a government, council, business and individual level there is an urgent need to ensure we don’t run out of drinking water.
The official plans are two fold:
1. Build more dams so that when it does rain, more water is caught.
2. Recycle and purify existing waste water….the debate as to whether to do the later is fierce. In spite of purifying water techniques being common practice worldwide, locally the idea meets much opposition.
On a very individual basis we have a ‘level 6’ water restriction. That is to say, there is a ration of 140 liters of water per person per day.
“Please explain” letters are sent out with water bills if a family exceeds the limit ~ fines are getting tougher.
The 140 liters of water ration comes with suggestions of how to save water using water saving devices; fixed to taps, toilets etc to basic household vigilance and thought out economics.
Rain water tanks are becoming common place in residential gardens -Linked up to the roof down pipe they catch any winter rain that may come and this is used to help to keep the gardens alive.
In spite of what sounds like drastic measures it is still very possible to bath, wash and clean without exceeding the limits.
Needless to say, native Australian garden plants are very hardy and drought resistant as you’d expect.
Useful Resources:
Queensland Water Commission: http://www.qwc.qld.gov.au/
Queensland as a Destination
Queensland, the North Eastern Australian State, is known for it’s tropical rain forests, national parks, wildlife, BBQ’s and the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin.
More recently however, the State has been noted for attracting the attention of migrants. South East Queensland is the second fastest growing region in the western world. Today, on average 2000 new comers arrive in Brisbane, the state capital, each week.
Having gained a skilled migrant visa we came in search of a real change and so we headed away from Sydney and Melbourne to Tropical Brisbane.
It is easy to see why Brisbane appeals to immigrants and inter-state movers alike. The city offers simplistic living and warm weather for 9 months of the year.
Given the latest statistics in population growth, we were not alone. With this surge, Brisbane, the easy going big old country town is being pushed to change and transform into a trendy happening City.
Locally, this dramatic growth spurt has come with one or two problems least of all some dismay and reluctance from its long standing residents.
Useful Resources:
Brisbane City Council: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/
Brisbane Activities: http://www.ourbrisbane.com/
An Increase in the Cost of Living.
Over the past 5 years we’ve noticed an increase in the cost of living.
Typically Australia has a reputation for being reasonable, if not a cheap country, to live in.
However, there has been a gradual increase in the price of groceries, fuel, houses and interest rates. Since local salaries haven’t as yet increased to help bridge the gap this does leave many new comers and Australians struggling to maintain the status quo.
Not only are house prices steadily rising but there is also a shortage of accommodation. In some suburbs, renters and house buyers need to out bid each other to secure a place to live.
Houses bought at auctions are selling at an all time high and real estate agents are kept busy. Whilst this brings with it good cheer to home owners there is dismay for their children and current renters wanting to buy.
One known Australian dream is the opportunity for everyone to buy and own their own home. This ideal is barely within grasp but to help ensure the market stables, the council and government plan to build an extra 145 000 homes over the next 20 years and release more land for building.
Useful Resources:
Brisbane House Prices: http://www.brisbane-australia.com/100070.php
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