Latest news with #SouthEastQueensland
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
Talks resume after 50k teachers strike over pay, workload and conditions
Teachers are set to return to the negotiating table on Thursday just 24 hours after more than 50,000 walked off the job in a historic strike overpay and conditions and hundreds of thousands of students stayed home. The Queensland Teachers' Union (QTU) and the state government will meet on Thursday ahead of formal conciliation proceedings after months of stalled negotiations and two rejected pay offers. QTU president Cresta Richardson, who led a 4000-strong march on parliament during Wednesday's strike, has not ruled out further industrial action. The union is calling on Premier David Crisafulli to personally intervene. 'Premier, we want to talk to you,' Ms Richardson said. 'We're not going to take that 8 per cent. It's insufficient for us to be among the highest-paid teachers in the country.' Queensland Council of Unions general secretary Jacqueline King criticised the government's decision to provide additional incentives to police but not to other frontline workers. 'To have something that significant put to police not put on the table for nurses, teachers and other workers is indefensible,' she said. 'It shows a lack of respect.' Theme parks and play centres across South East Queensland reported a surge in visitors on Wednesday, as thousands of families sought alternative activities during the historic teacher strike. The Queensland Teachers' Union had encouraged parents to keep their children home, leading to venues like Movie World, Sea World, and various indoor play centres to roster on extra staff in anticipation of higher demand. The union argues that Queensland teachers risk falling behind their interstate counterparts as other agreements come up for renewal. Ms Richardson said while Queensland wages sat in the middle nationally, other states might soon leapfrog them unless improvements were made. Concerns have also been raised around teacher workloads, classroom behaviour, and occupational violence, issues Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek acknowledged in a media conference on Thursday morning. 'It's of great concern to me that anyone has to be putting up with occupational violence,' Mr Langbroek said. 'We have a zero tolerance for violence in our schools … teachers are not going to be punching bags.' He said a new workforce strategy, currently in development, would include a specific focus on occupational violence, with further details to be released in the coming weeks. Mr Langbroek also reaffirmed the government's confidence in reaching an agreement through the Industrial Relations Commission, highlighting parts of the existing offer that remain on the table. 'One of the conditions that we've made for an experienced senior teacher would see them at $134,000 right now under the offer that we've made to teachers,' he said. He noted that additional incentives, such as relocation allowances and regional bonuses, could boost starting teacher salaries by more than $10,000 in some areas. 'There is a clause in there that if inflation were to go up more, then there's an add-on that would happen under the agreement that we've offered,' Mr Langbroek added. The government's second offer included other improvements, such as a new overnight camp allowance, a $400 starting bonus for new teachers, and an extra pupil-free day. While the union rejected the offer as a whole, individual components remain open to discussion. As conciliation begins, broader questions around school infrastructure have also re-emerged. Mr Langbroek referenced a previously unreleased 2022 report, commissioned by the former Labor government, which assessed the condition of state school assets across Queensland. According to the government, the 'comprehensive review of infrastructure renewal' report found that more than 33 per cent of school assets were rated as poor or very poor, with an estimated repair bill of $441m. The review involved on-site inspections of schools across the state, identifying structural issues including leaking roofs, damaged retaining walls, and rusted gutters. The summary, which excludes schools built after December 2017 and buildings constructed after October 2021 as they are too new to require renewal, found that 1.5 per cent of school assets were rated as very poor, 32.2 per cent as poor, 37 per cent as fair, 29.2 per cent as good, and just 0.1 per cent as very good. The government claims the report showed maintenance funding had been diverted to other projects such as new halls and arts facilities. Mr Langbroek said the government was working to address both the immediate concerns of teachers and broader systemic issues. 'We're trying to deal with a lot of issues … behaviour, bullying, red tape, and then deal with this infrastructure issue as well,' he said.
News.com.au
20-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
1100 units in limbo: The projects at risk of not going ahead
More than a quarter of Brisbane's apartment projects are at risk of not getting off the ground, as new figures reveal more than 1100 units are stuck in limbo. The research conducted by Urbis for the Property Council of Australia reveals apartment completions are falling well short of targets, with 27 per cent of future supply at risk of not being completed by 2028. Exclusive research by PRD reveals there are currently 22 apartment projects either abandoned or deferred in Brisbane, putting some 1100 units in limbo — plus hundreds more that remain incomplete well past their construction due dates. Under the South-East Queensland Regional Plan, Brisbane is required to build about 7,977 apartments annually from 2021 to 2031. But, according to the research, only about a quarter of this target — around 2000 — has been delivered each year since 2019. Urbis director Paul Riga said tracking of forward apartment completions suggested 2026 to 2028 would 'at most' deliver around half of the target — with some projects at risk of not proceeding at all. Auction drama marks jaw-dropping sale of Aus' 'best build' 'With competition for labour expected on the back of significant infrastructure investment, action needs to be taken now to ensure dwelling development activity increases beyond 2028,' Mr Riga said. Property Council Queensland executive director Jess Caire said apartment completions were projected to increase to around 4000 units in 2025, however, that was still well short of the targets and the bulk of new supply beyond 2025 was difficult to predict. 'The data tells a stark reality and there is no sugar coating the scale of the challenge in front of us — building over 7000 apartments a year would be a quantum leap forward in comparison to what we have been able to achieve in recent years,' Ms Caire said. 'The good news is we know we can build the number of apartments we need because we have done it before.' Ms Caire said 9527 and 9128 units respectively were built in 2016 and 2017, but industry headwinds had increased significantly, with high construction costs, declining productivity, acute labour shortages, and tax settings, which had become increasingly regressive. 'To remedy this, we need to be bold and pull every available policy and taxation lever to boost supply because every year we miss our targets the greater the challenge becomes,' she said. BRISBANE APARTMENT PROJECTS ABANDONED OR DEFERRED IN 2025 Project Suburb Number of units 1. ZEPHYR HEIGHTS APARTMENTS UPPER MOUNT GRAVATT 55 2. 28 MACGREGOR STREET APARTMENTS UPPER MOUNT GRAVATT 197 3. 143 BEATRICE TERRACE UNITS ASCOT 5 4. 35 HORSINGTON STREET UNITS MORNINGSIDE 7 5. 14-16 PARKHILL STREET APARTMENTS CHERMSIDE 9 6. 16-20 CHARLOTTE STREET UNITS CHERMSIDE 55 7. LATITUDE ALBION 48 8. MCGOLDRICK RESIDENCES WYNNUM WEST 11 9. 45A & 47 CLARENCE ROAD APARTMENTS INDOOROOPILLY 26 10. 30-34 WARDLE STREET UNITS MOUNT GRAVATT 27 11. 448 HAMILTON ROAD UNITS CHERMSIDE 11 12. 9 STANLEY TERRACE UNITS TARINGA 4 13. 61 JOSLING STREET UNITS TOOWONG 4 14. BODHI APARTMENTS UPPER MOUNT GRAVATT 68 15. 76 COMMERCIAL RD MIXED USE TENERIFFE 54 16. 151 CAVENDISH RD MIXED USE COORPAROO 37 17. TOOWONG CENTRAL MIXED USE TOOWONG 145 18. EAST VILLAGE PRECINCT 2D STAGES 1 & 2 CANNON HILL 137 19. 52 STATION ROAD MIXED USE INDOOROOPILLY 15 20. 61 DOULTON STREET MIXED USE CALAMVALE 10 21. 351 BEAMS ROAD MIXED USE TAIGUM 23 22. TRICARE RELOCATABLE HOME PARK ROCHEDALE 169 Source: PRD Research 'Since 2016, Queensland's foreign tax settings have cost the state 33,000 new homes. That is 33,000 rooves that could have been over the head of Queenslanders. 'We are in a race to build 1 million new homes by 2044 — a race that would be hard enough to win without a self-imposed handicap, which is effectively what our foreign tax regime amounts to.' Mr Riga said difficulties in finding builders, combined with high construction costs and labour shortages, was stopping many projects from going ahead. He said collaboration between builders and developers in the past year had helped see some projects through to completion. Purdy Developments founder Craig Purdy said more developers were adopting full integrated, in-house models for designing, building, and selling residential product. 'You've got control then, but there's risk too,' Mr Purdy said. 'Builders are all struggling, and they've all left the tier 2 space.' Mr Purdy said a 'box' in inner Brisbane now cost about $2m and three to four years to build. 'It's eye-watering how long it takes to do prestige product now,' he said. 'Sites are so expensive now. Then you've got the construction costs and finding a builder. It seems people are prepared to pay for it though — that's the irony.'
ABC News
14-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Scattered rain forecast to continue across south-east Queensland
Continuing the trend of a wetter-than-average start to the month, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is forecasting another day of showers for much of south-east Queensland. There is also the chance of thunderstorms between the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay, as well as scattered showers in the state's interior. In the 24 hours to 9am Wednesday, Coolangatta had received 108 millimetres, more than three quarters of its monthly May rainfall average. Caloundra Airport totalled 201mm in the same period, more than one and a half times its May average. In that 24-hour period, falls were scattered across the state's north. Cairns Airport recorded 116mm, which was 120 per cent of its average for the month. But it was a different story at Townsville Airport, which only received 3mm — just a 10th of the city's rainfall average for May. BOM senior meteorologist Steve Hadley said the south-east's prolonged patchy showers were caused by a large high-pressure system off the southern New South Wales coast. He said it was blasting onshore winds towards south-east Queensland and creating lots of moisture. "It's keeping the showers piling in, especially those more exposed parts which capture the rainfall," Mr Hadley said. The "incessant rain" has frustrated south-east Queensland's building industry, according to Master Builders Queensland chief executive Paul Bidwell. He said when it rained, builders had to stop work to ensure worker safety and the integrity of buildings under construction. He said the disappointing weather had squeezed an industry that was already under pressure from workforce shortages and rising construction costs. "It really has a big impact on the industry," Mr Bidwell said. Meanwhile, the downfalls have also taken a toll on sporting and recreation groups. Paul Hoysted manages the Gold Coast Seniors Tennis Club and said sporadic rain since Cyclone Alfred had created trying times for the club. "Even if it doesn't rain, we still lose business because people only come out when it's nice weather," he said. "If it rains at midday and if our night-time bookings are sitting in the office, they'll think it's too miserable to come out." Recreational tennis player Peter Fraser enjoys heading to the courts for a hit multiple times a week. But he said the recent unpredictable weather had washed out a lot of his games. "With the shower pattern at the moment, you don't know whether to come to the courts or not," Mr Fraser said.
News.com.au
13-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Kulikefu Finefeuiaki attends gala launch of the Ipswich SHS rugby league program season
Australian school rugby league powerhouse Ipswich State High last night launched its rugby league season with a bang at a gala event which included a special guest appearance from Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, one of the school's more recent NRL players. Ipswich SHS, overall the nation's most successful rugby league school in 2024, unveiled captains across all male and female teams on Monday night in Ipswich. The respective captains are: Langer Trophy : Xzavier Timoteo NRL Schoolgirls: Summer Hoet and Orianna Clark Langer Reserves: Clement Karauti and Lleyton Fotu Walters Cup: Blake Tikinau (Year 10) Hancock Cup: Malachi Kirk (Year 9) Renouf Shield: Cooper Hunt (Year 8) BBOB: Bentley Tikinau (Year 7) Year 10 girls: Monaiya-Lee Lilia and Tahli Campbell Year 9 girls: Kiera Roia Former captain Finefeuiaki (2020-21), now a star recruit with the Dolphins after starting his NRL career with the Cowboys, was interviewed on stage by Langer Trophy coach Joshua Bretherton, and his story was a source of inspiration for the next generation of players at Ipswich SHS. Last year Ipswich SHS won the NRL Schoolgirls Cup at both state and national level, while the Langer Trophy team went unbeaten until the last grand final qualifying fixture. In addition, from years 7-12, Ipswich were the only South East Queensland school to have teams in all male Brisbane Broncos-sponsored Cup competition semi-finals. This season around 130 girls and more than 230 boys will play rugby league at Ipswich SHS. PLAYER Q and A Xzavier Timoteo (Langer Trophy) What is your most memorable moment at Ipswich SHS: In 2023 we won the Langer reserves and I loved when our coach Dorey (coach, Jonathan Dore) ran on against Keebra after we won. He shed a tear. Who has been the biggest influence on your career: My mum and the coaching staff, especially in the junior grades because I was not the best when I was young. But they stuck by me. What were your short and long term goals: Make the U18 schoolboys and make the U19 Origin side. Orianna Clark (NRL schoolgirls Cup) What is your most memorable moment at Ipswich SHS: Winning the nationals last year with all the girls. It was one of the biggest experiences we have had, and to win all three medals was amazing. Who has been the biggest influence on your career: My brothers who are younger than me, but they have pushed me. What were your short and long term goals: Win the nationals again and to play for Australian schoolgirls, and then hit the big girls in the NRLW. Summer Hoet (NRL schoolgirls Cup) What is your most memorable moment at Ipswich SHS: Winning the nationals last year. It took us a couple of years to get there but it was a good team and a great bunch of girls. Who has been the biggest influence on your career: My parents who are always there for me. What were your short and long term goals: Win the nationals again and long term, get on the field in the NRLW. Clement Karauti (Langer reserves) What is your most memorable moment at Ipswich SHS: I have not been here that long, but just celebrating the wins with the boys. Who has been the biggest influence on your career: My parents and coaching staff. And NRL player Shaun Johnson for his skills and footwork. What were your short and long term goals: To get a grand final win and also play an A-grade game. Lleyton Fotu (Langer reserves) What is your most memorable moment at Ipswich SHS: Moving to Ipswich SHS from New Zealand. Who has been the biggest influence on your career: My brother Tre (2022 national championship winnining centre) What were your short and long term goals: To play A-grade (Langer Trophy). Blake Tikinau (Year 10) What is your most memorable moment at Ipswich SHS: Winning the Year 8 grand final. That was special because the year before it was not so special, but we picked it up the following season. Who has been the biggest influence on your career: All of my coaches and family. My coaches have been there to listen when I needed them. What were your short and long term goals: Make the Queensland 14-15s and hopefully make it (NRL) eventually. Malachi Kirk (Year 9) What is your most memorable moment at Ipswich SHS: Playing in the grade 8 grand final when I was in grade 7. We won it. Who has been the biggest influence on your career: My coaches and my parents. The coaches help take my game to the next level, while my parents take me to all the games and all the trainings. What were your short and long term goals: Make Queensland this year, keep playing and make the NRL. To have a strong career. Cooper Hunt (Year 8) What is your most memorable moment at Ipswich SHS: Making it to the finals last year. Who has been the biggest influence on your career: My parents and my brother What were your short and long term goals: To make the Team of the Year again and improve. Bentley Tikinau (Year 7) What is your most memorable moment at Ipswich SHS: Playing my very first game. I was nervous. Who has been the biggest influence on your career: My dad What were your short and long term goals: NRL. Monaiya-Lee Lilia (Year 10, girls) What is your most memorable moment at Ipswich SHS: It has been improving in my training, working with my coaches and getting to know new people. Who has been the biggest influence on your career: Miss Cox and Shalom Sauaso, the way she plays and the consistency in her training. What were your short and long term goals: Have a stable job and be a coach. Tahli Campbell (Year 10 girls) What is your most memorable moment at Ipswich SHS: My best moment has just been being with all the girls and the staff members. Everyone is great at supporting each other and being there for each other. Who has been the biggest influence on your career: My coach Coxy. She has influenced all the girls to be the best we can to the best of our abilities. She told us to keep our heads up high and have a great mind set. What were your short and long term goals: I want to make NRLW. I don;t mind which team, as long as I get an opportunity. Kiera Roia (Year 7-8 girls) What is your most memorable moment at Ipswich SHS: When I first came to school. It was emotional because I got to spend that time with my cousin Shalom Sausao. Who has been the biggest influence on your career: God who has played a huge part in my life. What were your short and long term goals: Better fitness.
