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It pays to be green
In our climate-changing world, the environment and profits are now sharing priority
WATER shortages and climate change are the new political hot potatoes, but at ground level, sustainable industries and development in south-east Queensland are slowly but surely setting national and international environmental standards.
A broad range of local companies - including the Foster's Brewery, at...
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Editor's Message
WINTER is on its way, but it won't cool the hot topic of climate change. In this edition, we explore sustainable business and what companies across a broad spectrum are doing to contribute to cleaner, greener workplace practices.
South-east Queensland is slowly paving the way and setting national and international environmental standards for the future. Local company Foster's Brewery is...
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The green machine
Smart businesses are partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to save money and gain market advantage
THE EPAs Dr John Cole, Executive Director of the Sustainable Industries Division, says the EPA supports a shift towards integrating environmental management into mainstream economic activities.
Dr Cole is a leading strategic thinker and adviser in sustainable development. An...
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Wheels in motion for Indy sponsor
A NAMING rights sponsor for the Lexmark Indy 300 is imminent following negotiations between Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, ING officials, Indy chairman Terry Mackenroth and a host of corporate players in Brisbane and Sydney.
Mr Beattie, who attended a business luncheon with more than 20 of Sydney's major players, says the naming rights of Australia's third-biggest sporting event will be...
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Trouble on the water front
Beattie under fire over plan to seize control of water assets
THE Queensland Government is under fire from ratepayers and businesses over its plan to seize the Gold Coast's $4.5 billion water infrastructure assets.
The Beattie Government is calling it a 'streamlined, 21st century water management system' for south-east Queensland, but the proposed compensation cap of $2 billion is barely...
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Bottom dollar
Survey finds many employers earn less than their staff
MOST small business owners in Australia pay staff members more than they earn themselves, a recent survey has found.
Released by the Gold Coast-based Results in Business Institute, the national poll of small businesses found 63.6 per cent of business owners surveyed employ a staff member who takes home more pay in the hand each week...
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International trade incentive
SMALL businesses from Cairns to Coolangatta may be eligible for State Government assistance to display their product overseas.
Funding is now available to help small biotechnology and information and communications technology (ICT) companies attend international trade shows. The International Trade Show Assistance Program (ITSAP) began in 2000 and provides grants up to $5000 to successful...
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MFS seeks NZ listing
MFS Living and Leisure Group has applied for an overseas listing on the New Zealand Stock Exchange.
MFS chief executive Marshall Vann says the listing application confirms the group's commitment to New Zealand and to further grow and develop Australasia's leisure industry.
"We have indicated our commitment to New Zealand through our current takeover offer for New Zealand's Tourism...
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Festival keeps economy jiving
Tweed ready to rock for Wintersun fun - to the tune of $20 million
THE annual Wintersun festival is expected to inject a record $20 million into the local economy as old-school rock 'n' roll and a convoy of hot rods rumble into the southern Gold Coast this month.
Event organisers predict growth of 15 to 20 per cent and a crowd of more than 100,000 to celebrate the festival's 20th...
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Budget not climate friendly
Commonwealth drags the chain on climate change, says Queensland acadermic
THE May Federal Budget's $741 million for climate change initiatives in the next five years is inadequate, says a University of Queensland business academic.
UQ Business School academic Associate Professor Andrew Griffiths says the Federal Budget has little to offer from a 'climate-friendly' point of view.
"The...
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Boating bonanza
Sanctuary Cove event's a showstopper
THE incredible growth of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in recent years is testament to the significance of the marine industry to Queensland, says State Development Minister John Mickel.
Speaking at the annual Smart State Marine Industry Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency, as part of the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Mr Mickel said...
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Korean delegation to visit
KOREAN Government and business officials are expected to visit the Gold Coast this month to further negotiate a proposed $73 million TAFE accommodation facility.
The consortium will establish a Korean accommodation company to develop and operate a facility with up to 600 rooms, on a site adjoining the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE Ridgeway campus.
The project is expected to provide 300 jobs...
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Funds to help small business to go green
SMALL business will be helped to 'go green' with a new initiative unveiled by Federal Small Business and Tourism Minister Fran Bailey.
Funding of more than $8 million is available for training providers to assist small business to go green.
Training to help small business with recycling and energy efficiency initiatives is an example of the kind of project that could secure...
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Foreign health workers on rise
GLOBAL demand for skilled staff is putting pressure on the health sector in Australia - but many employers are ready to take up the challenge to attract the workers they need from offshore markets, according to a Vedior Asia Pacific Employment Trends Survey.
"International competition for skilled staff means Australian facilities are not just competing with the hospital or clinic down the...
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Work experience via the web
A unique 'match making' service that connects businesses with potential employees and students has burst out of the blocks with almost 1000 students and more than 500 businesses participating.
GetExperience.com.au is an online service, providing employers with a solution to recruiting by facilitating access to a stable of skilled graduates, post-graduates and students seeking experience in...
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Trainees in the swing
A fresh approach to skills training
RECORD low unemployment and a mining boom have prompted a Gold Coast golf course to think outside the square when it hires new trainees - with surprising results.
You'd think it would be easy to find staff for a beautiful, local golf course, working outdoors in the Queensland sunshine. But the reality is there's a shortage of applicants for lower-paying...
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How bazaar, how bazaar
TOURISM has been identified as the city's most important industry, with more than 4.5 million international and domestic overnight visitors spending time and money in the city each year.
That equates to an economic impact of more than $4 billion per annum - and the city of Gold Coast has undertaken a strategy to grow the tourism industry by another $2 billion per annum by 2010.
The Gold...
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National honour for conference promoters
ONE of Australia's leading promotional products companies has been awarded the highest possible honour at the Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) National Awards.
Execugifts, based on the Gold Coast, has been inducted into the MEA Hall of Fame, having achieved the top award in the category of Conference Support Products for 2004, 2005 and now 2006.
Meetings and Events Australia, which...
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Water-wise corporates praised
Business on track to save twice the amount of water forecast
SOUTH-East Queensland businesses are adopting water-wise practices to reduce the drain on our dam supplies, according to the latest monthly water reports.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh says the December progress reports show businesses are forecasting double the amount of water savings required under...
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Designing the future
Award-winning architect shares what it takes to build a business
WHAT makes someone an entrepreneur? Ask Glen Jones, 32, and he'll tell you stupidity - at least, in part.
Mr Jones started his own business, Space Cubed, when he was just 24, not long after graduating from Queensland University of Technology with a degree in architecture.
"I was offered positions with several firms, but no...
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Eco is not a dirty word
Award-winning architect shares what it takes to build a business
THE $20 billion a year national ecotourism industry is driving an increase in visitor numbers to the Gold Coast.
Ecotourism Australia says nature-based tourism and ecotourism - tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas - is now worth approximately $20 billion a year to the Australian tourism industry....
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Building on relationships
Development and recruitment crucial to increasing 'bench strength'
ONE of the largest shed building companies in Australia, Wide Span Sheds also exports to more than 20 countries.
With 50 employees working for its holding company, Steelx, company director Mike Folwell shares the benefit of his wealth of international experience.
As one of Australia's largest shed building companies,...
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Green light for mill
A JOINT venture between NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative and Delta Electricity will transform the Condong Sugar Mill into one of the largest renewable electricity power stations in Australia - wholly fuelled by sugar cane waste.
Located south of the Queensland border near Murwillumbah, the mill has been transformed into a $90 million green energy producer with the potential to supply up to...
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A sustainable future
AN environmental rating tool has placed Queensland at the front of the sustainability race by allowing new home buyers to identify greener homes.
And the Gold Coast and Tweed region - home to three of six premier EnviroDevelopment projects - is leading the way. The EnviroDevelopment certification and branding system provides independent verification a development has achieved leading-edge...
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Environmental science lab for Coolangatta
A $2 MILLION research and development facility will be built in Coolangatta to measure carbon emissions and design new technology to reduce the carbon footprint left by industry.
A specialist group of international scientists based in Brisbane have been quietly servicing Australia's leading organisations and government bodies regarding their emissions analysis and planning. The group has...
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Cleaner, greener solutions
A GOLD Coast-based company's new water technology is saving lives in developing countries.
Water Engineers Australia and its associate company, Anode Technology, have been making electrochlorination equipment and coated titanium anodes for more than 18 years.
Their products are now being recognised on the world stage with help through the Australian Government's R & D Tax Concession....
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Groundwater Treatment Solutions
GOLD Coast-based company Groundwater Treatment Solutions (GTS) has evolved as a market leader in the filtration of groundwater from construction and building sites for the benefit of our environmental waterways. Its technology provides the optimal service level for ground water filtration.
Local, state and federal authorities are making sure ground water removed from the water table and...
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Overhaul to give venue extra bite
$5 million makeover to get Dracula's blood pumping
WHEN the Newman family introduced its horrific ensemble of freaks and let them loose in a themed restaurant at Broadbeach back in 1985, curious punters cued to catch the new Dracula's Theatre Restaurant spook show.
This year, the iconic restaurant celebrates 26 years nationally after setting up its first venue in Melbourne in 1981 - a spin...
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Hole in one for Cove club
National record for Sanctuary Cove
SANCTAURY Cove Golf and Country Club has set a new Australian record with its latest prospectus for the sale of transferable equity-based memberships in its golf, sports and leisure facilities.
The second prospectus for 170 memberships sold out in 14 weeks - more than nine months earlier than anticipated. The first prospectus - which closed last October...
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Seadov offers cleaner desalination solution
Government urged to rethink offshore 'green marine' desalination
TECHNOLOGY developer Seadov wants the State Government to reconsider a proposal for a privately backed, $110 million offshore desalination plant.
Seadov (Sustainable Energy and Desalination on Vessel) is a world-first Australian invention with the potential to cost effectively solve coastal region water shortages around the...
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Save data - and shake stress
Scott Jones of IT Leaders, drives home the importance of data back-up
BACKING up business data is an important daily protection - and even more critical towards the end of the financial year.
"It is worth thinking about all the important documents and emails and financial data you have collected over the year," says Scott Jones, of IT Leaders.
"Back-ups are the second most important...
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Climbing the ranks
James Greig, from the Website Standards Association, demystifies Google
IT'S common knowledge that with up to 70 per cent of all searches conducted through it's site, Google has grounded itself as the world's leading search engine.
The Google phenomenon has many business owners pondering how they can get their business to the top of its rankings - and capitalise on the meteoric rise of...
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Welcome relief for investors
Red tape reductions will lessen the FSR paper trail, according to Hynes Lawyers partner Glenn Vassallo and lawyer Olivia Smith
PROVIDERS of financial products and services will no doubt welcome the changes proposed in the package of Corporations Amendment Regulations, recently released by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Mr Chris Pearce, for public consultation.
The package,...
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Plan for a taxing time
Andrew McLauchlan, from McLauchlan & Partners, says it's time to start planning your tax
THE end of the financial year is rapidly approaching - and now is the time to start planning you tax. Waiting until the last week of the financial year is leaving it too late.
In previous years, the Government has given all workers a break by reducing marginal tax rates (MTRs).
This year, the tax...
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New business hub for Robina
Success of Easy T Centre sparks new development with more space
A NEW $200 million business hub at Robina is set to complement the existing town centre retail and business district.
The business centre will be developed in the next decade and will include dining, retail, commercial, showroom and light industry space.
It will be developed on 10 hectares around the junction of Christine...
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Luxury Platinum in prime position
A $125 million residential community at Hope Island has been launched by Consolidated Project Homes.
The Craig Gore-backed Consolidated Project Homes is part of the Atkinson Gore Group, a diversified group of companies that has more than $1 billion dollars worth of ongoing projects.
Atkinson Gore Group acquired the Platinum Waters site in July 2000 and civil works started in mid-2005....
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Integration boosts Stella's brands
STELLA Hospitality Group has expanded its property portfolio with the integration of S8 apartment resorts following the MFS Limited merger with S8 in September 2006.
The integration includes 21 former S8 properties, most of which will be re-branded as BreakFree Hotels Resorts & Apartments as they're converted to brands within Stella Hospitality Group's collection of hotels, apartments...
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Murwillumbah expands
METRICON has launched stage one of its $30 million Riva Vue development at Murwillumbah.
Located off Barnby Street, Murwillumbah, in the heart of the Tweed Valley, Riva Vue is a multi-stage residential subdivision covering 24.5ha. The first stage will consist of 26 blocks. Lots range from 677sqm to 1147sqm.
Project manager Frank Galvin says the development will bring a new level of living...
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How many bricks can you count?
Napier & Blakeley director Alastair Walker says many people don't know what quantity surveyors actually do...
JUST as accountants are sometimes referred to as 'bean counters', quantity surveyors are affectionately known as 'brick counters'. However, not many people realise the humble quantity surveyor (QS) has been around for a long time, with the earliest measurement of construction...
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Commercial demand soars
PRIME commercial space in Gordon Property Development's Nexus Towers, at Southport, is being snapped up quickly, but there is still 1000sqm still available for sale or lease.
Several parties have expressed keen interest in a 300sqm retail space, another is under contract and negotiations are taking place with a cafe owner to move into a corner lot following the launch of the $12 million...
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Population drives CBD investment
PROJECTED population growth and new high-rise commercial and residential developments have made Southport the Gold Coast's new investment mecca, says Southport Chamber of Commerce president Luke Preston.
He says the population of Gold Coast City is almost 500,000 - and rising by 15,000 people each year - and Southport is undergoing unprecedented growth and expansion.
"But with no new land...
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Celebrity scrum packs down at Sharks
Basketball star joins good sports for Sharks showdown
FUNNYMAN 'Slammin' Sam Kekovich will return as master of ceremonies for the third annual Southport Sharks Celebrity Sportsman Luncheon.
Raising the bar each year, the event has previously attracted key personalities including Hawthorn Football Club president and former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett and former Carlton Football Club...
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A runaway success
Corporates line up for marathon
BUSINESSES of all sizes are being challenged to get teams fighting fit for the Gold Coast Marathon Corporate Teams Challenge on Sunday, July 1.
Corporate sporting supremacy is at stake and the coveted perpetual trophy up for grabs as companies vie for honours including the largest team, most kilometres run and best team spirit.
"The Corporate Teams...
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Swinging safari
THE most-decorated competitor in the history of women's surfing, Layne Beachley, will be among the celebrities competing in the annual Australian Timeshare Industry ATHOC & Christel House Open on the Gold Coast on June 8.
Lakelands Golf Course and ATHOC will host one of 30 golf tournaments being held in 30 cities across six continents - all on the same day - to raise money for Christel...
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Forum attracts local following
THE next monthly Varsity Central Business Forum will be held at the lake cafe bar, in Varsity Lakes, on Wednesday, June 20, from 5.30pm.
Varsity Lake senior project director Carl Bruhn says the forums feature guests speakers including sporting identities, business leaders and television personalities.
"The Varsity Central Business Forum is a business education and networking event that...
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Building ambition
ARE you a time-poor business owner or manager? Too much to do and not enough time to get through it? If you want to use your most precious resource wisely, you might benefit from a business workshop by ProfiTune Business Systems' Peter Rowe.
A former brickie's labourer turned managing director, Mr Rowe is an expert in business change and growth management.
He brings his passion for small...
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Local companies go green
"Yatala now uses drinking water to make our products and wherever water touches the actual product. Virtually all other processes use recycled water, which is captured and treated on site. Our recycled water is treated to a standard that is in fact purer than the normal reticulated water supply," says Mr Foxall.
"We will continue to look for new ways to save water and are working on projects...
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Surfers stick to the State
Young Gold Coast duo crack the lucrative US export market to make the big-time
ROSS McInnes and Clinton Hollier have just signed the biggest contract of their careers - and cracked the highly competitive US export market.
The breakthrough comes almost eight years after the dynamic duo designed Lockable Tie Downs, but only two years after they began manufacturing the product under the...
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Lighten your tax burden
How to avoid a frustrating end of financial year
THE end of financial year is a taxing time for any small business. Superannuation, capital gains, bad debts - there's so much to consider.
Griffith University taxation law lecturer Brett Freudenberg says the Australian Tax Office is cracking down on rogue businesses with more regular audits.
"The normal rule of thumb is four years for the...
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Win for Business News
Gold Coast Business News among May award winners
THREE-TIME America's Cup campaigner Iain Murray has joined Gold Coast Business News editor Camilla Westerlund and a host of other local business winners for May in the Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards.
Established in August 2000, Mr Murray's Coomera-based Azzura Marine won the manufacturing and construction award. Mr Murray, a six-time...
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The sky's the limit
Gold Coast Airport runway extension to attract international business
SOUTH-EAST Asia remains a largely untapped business delegate market for the Gold Coast's burgeoning conference industry, says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Mark Vaile.
Mr Vaile says the 458m runway extension at the Gold Coast Airport will potentially open fresh business...
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