Gold Coast city skyline Gold Coast Industry News

The Gold Coast Directory introduced this blog to provide a platform for Gold Coast businesses to update the local business community with recent industry developments, networking events, company achievements and the latest about doing business on the Gold Coast.

If you have any news, press releases or business events on the Gold Coast that you want to tell the community about,
we'd love to help! Please email your article or news to [email protected] with the subject line “Attn: Gold Coast Industry News”.

Childcare Centre Expands To Cater To Demand

Posted on March 13, 2011 by admin

WITH a drastic shortage of places on the Gold Coast, Bambini Early Childhood Development is expanding its holistic childcare operations to meet demand.

Since opening its doors two months ago, Bambini Coombabah has experienced an influx of interest and with the centre now at 100 per cent occupancy, Bambini directors have decided to expand.

Bambini Early Childhood Development centre is located on 456 Pine Ridge Road in Coombabah and provides 50 nursery and early childhood placements. With DA approval for the extension, an extra 54 placements will be created.

Bambini have also expanded their reach with new centres opening in Caloundra and Caboolture and are currently looking to acquire more centres throughout Queensland.

Having operated a successful branch of Bambini Early Childhood Development in Brisbane for the past four years, the Bambini philosophy is to explore the true nature and motives of a more holistic perspective of learning.

Owner and licensee Gabrielle Giufre said the high level of interest in Bambini Coombabah is due to parents now wanting their children to experience a higher level of learning that also focuses on character development, social morality and ethical sensibility.

“Extending our operations at Bambini Coombabah means that an extra 54 children will now be able to experience the Bambini difference,” Mrs Giufre said.

“We currently have an extensive waiting list for our Coombabah centre so we hope the extra placements will be a welcome addition for Gold Coast parents,” she said.

“At Bambini, high quality education programs that are both child initiated and age appropriate, are incorporated following the THRASS curriculum which centres around a holistic approach to early learning and focuses on developing emotional intelligence.

“Our staff pride themselves on allowing children to experience the importance of social and personal attributes such as character development, social morality and ethical sensibility.”

The Bambini centre at Coombabah features fitness and active learning programs, including daily children’s yoga classes, a chicken coop complete with baby chicks, guinea pig pen, bird aviary and an organic vegetable garden.

“In effect our goal is for all children to develop a compassionate, responsible and peaceful approach to solving problems,” said Ms Giufre.

“Children want to feel they are loved, important and unique. We intend to provide learning techniques to improve their ability to connect positively to themselves, others and their community through caring guidance, respectful cooperation, sharing, calmness and patience.”

Teaching from the heart requires leaders and all current Bambini staff have an intrinsic adoration for life and a passionate love of learning to ensure little bambinos are in the best of hands.

Bambini respects and advocates the importance of high quality care in early childhood and active learning is applied to prepare children to live purposefully, creatively and morally through self directed learning.

“Here at Bambini we respect that there are many paths of learning and value them all. Our intention is to seek each child’s authentic identity, meaning and purpose in life through values such as compassion and peace,” said Ms Giufre.

Bambini Early Childhood Development is taking applications for waiting lists as spaces are limited.

(Bambini Early Childhood Development is affiliated with Essence Property Group, a family owned and operated property development company based in Brisbane with more than 30 years experience in residential, commercial and lifestyle projects).

For enquiries about enrolments at Bambini Early Childhood Development or for more information, contact 1300 559 183 or visit www.bambiniecd.com.au

Posted in Child Care | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Iconic Canungra Motel Presents Prime Investment Opportunity

Posted on March 7, 2011 by admin

AN ICONIC motel in the tourist hub of Canungra has been placed on the market for $995,000.

The two-storey Canungra Motel presents a rare investment opportunity in the Gold Coast Hinterland and sits on 1429 sq m.

Located at 45 Christie Street, it comprises 10 ensuited bedrooms, a manager’s residence, in-ground swimming pool and an income producing gift shop ‘Flutterbys’, a popular haunt for locals and tourists.

Just Real Estate Investments director Tony Grbcic, said the property presents a golden opportunity for those looking for a secure and thriving long-term investment in the rural heartland of Canungra.

“Rarely do these kinds of properties come onto the market and we expect to be inundated with enquiry from local investors,” said Mr Grbcic.

“The current vendors have had many successful years in Canungra, but have decided to hang up their aprons and retire.”

Buyers should be quick to secure a solid investment in a prime location with access to so many local amenities.

“Canungra is a developing business hub, well known for its surrounding tourism operators and it’s well supported by visitors all year round,” said Mr Grbcic.

“Canungra is home to many tourist attractions including Lamington National Park, award-winning wineries, the mountain resorts of Binna Burra and O’ Reilly’s and waterfalls and lookouts that reveal one of the most extensive subtropical rainforests in the world.

“The property boasts the ideal location close to vital amenities including a post office, doctor’s surgery, chemist, dentist, supermarket, service stations and local farmers markets.

Mr Grbcic said in recent times, motels have proved a resilient tool for the astute investor, with the potential to yield significant capital growth over time – particularly where there’s a strong drive market.

With 28 years experience in all facets of the property industry, Just Real Estate Investments is a boutique agency, specialising in prime development sites, commercial, industrial and investment properties.

For more information regarding Just Real Estate Investments please contact (07) 5591 9560 or visit www.jrei.com.au.

Posted in Real Estate | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Raise A Glass To Support Queensland Wine

Posted on February 28, 2011 by admin

Wine lovers are urged to buy local and support Queensland wineries struggling to recover from the impact of recent rains and flooding across the state.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin said wine tourism and cellar door sales had dramatically dropped and the industry was suffering.

“Queensland winemakers produce award-winning wines which are receiving recognition both nationally and internationally,” Mr Mulherin said on a visit to Cedar Creek Estate Winery at Mt Tamborine today.

“Unfortunately cellar door business has taken a big hit; mostly due to a misconception wineries are still inaccessible because of the weather and road closures.

“Roads to Queensland’s major wine regions, including the Granite Belt, Darling Downs, South Burnett, Scenic Rim, North Burnett and Somerset Valleys, are open.

“If you enjoy a quality wine then I urge you to visit a winery or buy Queensland wine from bottle shops and restaurants. In doing so you are giving an important local industry a boost and helping a small business get back on its feet.

“Wine tourism is vital to our wine producers with 77 per cent of annual wine sales through regional cellar door outlets.

“Cedar Creek Winery, which also houses the Queensland Wine Centre, is the biggest employer at Mt Tamborine with 41 staff in total so it is critical to the local economy.”

Mr Mulherin said Cedar Creek Estate Winery attracted around 100,000 visitors each year and was one of more than half a dozen wineries in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

“Queensland’s main wine region is the Granite Belt which has over 50 cellar doors and is currently offering discounts to encourage visitors in a campaign organised by Granite Belt Wine & Tourism,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Its attractions include the Strange Bird Granite Belt Alternative Wine Trail, various festivals and opera and jazz vineyard concerts.

“Elsewhere, Queensland’s second largest wine region – the South Burnett – is fully accessible via the D’Aguilar Highway.”

Posted in Tourism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

‘Weighting game’ over for obese adults with FDA expansion of gastric band use

Posted on February 18, 2011 by admin

The United States (US) Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is joining Australia in the battle of the bulge by approving the gastric band for use in obese adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI)* as low as 30 and one obesity-related condition.

Australia was the first in the Asia-Pacific region to recently approve the gastric band for use in people with a BMI over 35 or a BMI greater than 30 with at least one serious, obesity-related condition. For the first time, adults across the whole obesity spectrum who have failed conventional weight loss measures (diet, exercise and medication) can access this clinically effective, long-term, weight loss option.

According to Professor Paul O’Brien, Head of the Centre for Obesity Research and Education (CORE) at Monash University, Melbourne, broader use of the gastric band among obese adults will have a significant and positive effect on health in Australia and the US.

“We know that serious, obesity-related health complications have already begun by the time a BMI of 30 is reached, which is the lower limit of obesity.1

“The gastric band was previously available to those with a BMI of at least 35 and one serious, obesity-related condition. Until now, obese people with a BMI under 35 who carry significant health risks have had limited options to improve their health when other conventional weight loss measures, such as diet and exercise, have failed,” said Prof O’Brien.

“If left untreated, research shows that these people will likely remain obese,2 placing themselves in danger of developing serious health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

“While these simpler, non-surgical options should certainly form part of all initial weight loss attempts, we know with confidence from our Australian clinical data, that gastric banding is a viable, effective option for people unable to maintain weight loss with conventional methods,” Prof O’Brien said.

Data reveal that approximately one-in-four3 – or 3.24 million4 – Australian adults are obese. If this trend continues, it is estimated that 7.2 million Australians will be obese by 2025,4 underscoring obesity as a growing health epidemic in Australia and the need for additional, effective treatment.5,6 Given its known correlation to life-threatening conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and some cancers),5 obesity is a disease that requires medical treatment.

In Australia, the first gastric banding procedure was performed in 1994, and last year more than 11,000 procedures were conducted.7 In total, more than 600,000 procedures have been performed internationally.8

“In one of our landmark studies that contributed to the FDA’s decision to expand the indication for the gastric band, those who had mild-to-moderate obesity (BMI 30-35) showed very clear benefits with the gastric band compared to a matched group who received the best conventional weight loss treatment,” said Prof O’Brien.

At two years after entry into the study, the gastric banding patients had lost an average of 87 per cent of their excess weight compared to those who followed a conventional program and lost just 21 per cent of their excess weight through diets, improved eating habits, and increased exercise and lifestyle changes.9

Dr Roy Brancatisano from the Institute of Weight Control, Sydney, cautions that gastric banding is not a quick fix to weight loss but rather, one part of a person’s lifetime commitment to shedding excess weight and leading a healthier lifestyle.

“Obesity is a complex disease. We all have different messages from our brain about food. It is sometimes assumed that those who over-indulge in food must have a lack of self-control. However, the spectrum of pressure to eat can range from minimal to an overwhelmingly persistent hunger that can never be satisfied.

“The new indication is a welcome relief for people struggling to lose weight who want to improve their health and quality of life when other options fail,” Dr Brancatisano said.

“Gastric banding addresses an unmet treatment need and provides effective, sustainable weight loss.

“The broader indication for the gastric band across the whole adult obesity spectrum will allow Australia and the US to lead the way in the fight against obesity,” said Dr Brancatisano.

About the FDA announcement

The FDA has approved the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedure for people with a BMI greater than 30 and at least one serious, obesity-related condition, and who are unable to lose weight through conventional weight loss methods.

more#
Landmark Australian research contributed to the FDA’s approval of the gastric band for use in adults within the lower limits of obesity. A world-first study, conducted at the Centre for Obesity Research and Education (CORE) at Monash University, compared the effectiveness of LAGB to non-surgical treatment (diet, exercise and medication) in obese adults with a BMI between 30 and 35. The research found that LAGB resulted in a loss of 87 per cent in excess body weight, compared to 21 per cent with non-surgical treatment; a greater reduction in obesity-related health conditions for LAGB; greater improvements in quality of life across all measures with LAGB. 9

A second Australian study also conducted at CORE, that formed part of the FDA submission, revealed that gastric banding surgery is five times more likely to reverse type 2 diabetes than simple lifestyle changes.10 The study revealed 20 per cent of average body weight loss with LAGB compared to 1.4 per cent average body weight loss with conventional diabetes care; an 80 per cent improvement to normal limit blood sugar (glucose) levels with LAGB, compared to 20 per cent with conventional diabetes care; a greater reduction in the use of diabetes medication with LAGB and a greater reduction in associated health conditions, including use of blood pressure and lipid lowering medications. 10

About the LAGB procedure

The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) is a buckle-design band placed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) around the stomach that compresses the top of the stomach and reduces appetite.11 The band has a soft lining that can be inflated by injecting saline into an access port, just beneath the skin in the side of the abdomen, allowing for tightening of the band for further control over appetite, without surgery.11

The LAGB procedure does not require cutting or stapling of the stomach and there is no bypassing of parts of the digestive system.11

The LAGB procedure is suitable for severely obese adults, or obese adults with weight-related health complications, who have unsuccessfully tried other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise.11

Complications associated with gastric banding surgery include risks from the medications and methods used in the surgical procedure, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient’s degree of intolerance to any foreign object implanted in the body.11

Australia’s first gastric banding procedure was performed in 1994, and last year more than 11,000 procedures were performed in Australia.7 More than 600,000 procedures in total have been performed internationally.8

About obesity

Obesity is a disease in which fat has accumulated to the extent that one’s health is impaired.9  Obesity can also be linked to genetic, perinatal and socioeconomic factors.3 Weight status is often measured using the body mass index (BMI); measured by body weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in metres squared). A BMI of 25–30 is considered overweight, while a BMI greater than 30 is obese.3

People who are obese are at higher risk of premature death and many health complications including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis and some cancers.12 More than 3 million adult Australians are obese, costing the community more than $58 billion each year.12

Obesity accounts for approximately 7.5 per cent of the total disease burden in Australia, just behind high blood pressure and tobacco,3 and is the highest contributor to the the burden of disease for those in the 35-44 age group (8.6%) and 45-54 age groups (13%).3 Obesity places a significant burden on the health economy.4 As the trend grows, so will the prevalence of obesity-related health risks to the community.

* BMI – Body Mass Index expressed in kg/m2

Posted in Health, Weight Loss | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Case Study: Aussie Mortgage Broker Trina Farren-Price

Posted on February 18, 2011 by admin

When independent mortgage broker for Aussie Home Loans Trina Farren-Price visited our office, she was wanting an affordable and fast way to get her business information displayed over the major players (as well as the many independent brokers) in the industry that have the big budgets for websites, advertising and affiliations.

We suggested a featured listing to Trina and after just 1 month in the directory, her listing has had over 200 views, with a number of qualified leads for her business. Having previously relied upon word of mouth, repeat customers and referrals from past clients, Trina is ecstatic with the results of her listing – which cost her a total of $249 for one year at the top of her category.

See exactly what Trina had to say –

“I am writing to express my thanks to Marilyn Strauss and all at e-CBD for the outstanding results I have achieved from advertising my business with the Gold Coast Directory. Within two weeks of the entry appearing I received good quality leads including one from New Zealand and another which has already resulted in hundreds of new home loan opportunities. e-CBD have presented my entry to capture my target market and the response has confirmed that they excel at what they do. I highly recommend their services.”

Trina Farren-Price, Aussie Mortgage Broker.

To contact Trina, call 5591 7111, or send her an enquiry online.

Posted in Case Studies | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Hundreds Turn Out To Show QLD Is In Their Hearts

Posted on February 12, 2011 by admin

Gold Coast, Australia – 12th February 2011 – Thirty six Grantham residents were VIP guests of the Heartwave Beach Walk that took place this morning at Gold Coast’s Currumbin Beach to raise money for QLD flood victims. They joined sporting heroes like ironman Zane Holmes and surfers Joel Parkinson and Wayne Rabbit Bartholomew alongside an estimated five hundred Gold Coast locals for the hour-long fundraising walk.

The event culminated in attendees circling their Grantham guests in a giant heart shape formation to send a visual message of love and support to all those affected by the catastrophic Queensland floods and cyclone Yasi.

Grantham local Nat Walter, who spent a harrowing 48hrs fearing the worst for her missing husband when floodwaters tore through Grantham, became for many the face of the Lockyer Valley disaster when a TV crew captured the couple’s joyful reunion.  Their story captured the nation as a rare happy ending amongst the devastation, and so it’s fitting Nat was the contact assisting Heartwave organizers to coordinate a special day out for the Grantham residents.

“The event has been fantastic, unreal, amazing.  The love and support shown by everyone today has been overwhelming.”  Nat said, adding the group’s oungsters had been particularly looking forward to the event. “Thekids have been really excited about the whole thing. I know my own children were up bright and early at 4.30am, even though we didn’t need to catch the bus until 6.30.”

“It’s really made their little smiles come out again, which is good because us Mums and Dads have been so busy running around trying to put our lives back in order. The usual life things have been put on a backburner. The kids are back at school at Grantham, and they really are so resilient, but it’s still been nice to give them something fun to look forward to.”

The Grantham group will spend the remainder of the day enjoying lunch at Currumbin SLSC and touring Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, and will take home gift bags from Billabong, Havaianas and Happy Days Diaries.

Heartwave was supported by GCCC, CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, BILLABONG, KELLOGGS, SAND, COOL RIDGE WATER, HOGARTH STUDIO, FAST PROOF PRESS, HAVAIANAS, SURFING QUEENSLAND, STRYKER MEDIA, HAPPY DAYS DIARY, and CURRUMBIN SLSC.

Posted in Charity, Community, Tourism | Leave a comment

CELEBRITIES JOIN FORCES TO SHOW QLD IS IN THEIR HEARTS

Posted on February 4, 2011 by admin

Gold Coast, Australia – 4th February 2011 – Iron man Zane Holmes, former world champion surfers Mark Occhilupo and Wayne Rabbit Bartholomew, TV personality Natalie Gruzlewski, and iron woman Hayley Bateup are among a string of QLD celebrities set to get behind their home state at the Heartwave Beach Walk 2011.  Organisers of the Heartwave Beach Walk 2011 are expecting around 500 Queenslanders to attend the fundraising beach walk which will culminate with the assembly of attendees into a massive heart formation in the sand to send a strong visual message of love and support to those affected by the catastrophic Queensland floods and cyclone Yasi.

At 9am on Saturday 12th February 2011, the Heartwave Beach Walk will depart from Currumbin for Tugun before returning to Currumbin beach where the giant heart formation will be created. Attending media will capture an aerial image.

Wayne Rabbit Bartholomew, AM, said the event aimed to help those in South East Queensland show the rest of the state their solidarity. “The Heartwave Beachwalk 2011 is a way for folks to show our support for our fellow Queenslanders in this time of rebuilding. The floods may have passed, but the unity this tragic event has born out in the community will endure.”

Zane Holmes agrees the event will give hundreds of people attending an outlet to show their wholehearted support for Queenslanders doing it tough. “The HEARTWAVE BEACH WALK 2011 is a great opportunity to support the flood victims and your community. I’m throwing my support behind it and I encourage everyone to do the same,” Holmes said.

To take part, attendees simply register on the morning of the event and pay a donation of $10 for adults or a gold coin for each child, with all proceeds from the event going to the QLD Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal 2011.

It’s this fundraising side of the event that particularly appeals to Occhilupo, who encourages all locals to take part. “Fundraising for the Qld Flood victims has to continue until those people affected can get back on their feet. The HEARTWAVE BEACH WALK 2011 has my full support, I’ll see you on the beach!” Occhilupo said.

Upon registration all attendees will receive a wristband, water and an energy bar to sustain them for the morning’s walk from Currumbin to nearby Tugun. On return to Currumbin, attendees will be encouraged to take part in the gigantic heart-shaped formation on the beach.

Natalie Gruzlewski thinks the community initiative will be a fun and worthwhile weekend activity for all involved. “What a great way to spend a Saturday morning, getting involved in the HEARTWAVE Beach Walk at Currumbin! You get to have a great beach walk, meet up with people, raise much needed funds and of course take part in the group heart shot – let’s get that message of support broadcast to those who need it!”

The event is open to all ages. Parking is available to the public at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary car park, Tomewin Street, Currumbin.

VISION OPPORTUNITY: SENDING A MESSAGE TO QLD – YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS

Supported by: GCCC, CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, BILLABONG, KELLOGGS, SAND, COOL RIDGE WATER, HOGARTH STUDIO, FAST PROOF PRESS, STRYKER MEDIA, SOUL ARCH MEDIA and many more.

Those unable to attend but wishing to support the event are encouraged to make a donation online, payable to:

HEARTWAVE BEACHWALK 2011
BSB: 064404  ACCOUNT: 1045 5760

All proceeds from the event go to the QLD Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal 2011

For the latest event news, visit the Heartwave Beach Walk event page on Facebook:

http://on.fb.me/heartwave

For event enquiries, contact Heidi Barholomew.

Contact: [email protected]

Posted in Community, Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gold Coast Shows Heart for QLD Flood Victims at the Heartwave Beach Walk 2011

Posted on January 31, 2011 by admin

Gold Coast, Australia – 31st January 2011 – The weekend before Valentine’s Day will see a public gathering with exceptional heart. Organisers of the Heartwave Beach Walk 2011 are expecting around 500 Gold Coasters to attend the fundraising beach walk which will culminate with the assembly of attendees into a massive heart formation in the sand to send a strong visual message of love and support to those affected by the catastrophic Queensland floods.

At 9 am on Saturday 12th February 2011, the Heartwave Beach Walk will depart from Currumbin for Tugun before returning to Currumbin beach where the giant heart formation will be created. An aerial image will be captured by attending media.

Event organizer Heidi Bartholomew said since announcing Heartwave just over a week ago, the event had received a great deal of grassroots support from locals online, with attendees sharing the event details to over 900 people on Facebook and counting. It’s been heartwarming for organisers, and bodes well for a strong public attendance at Heartwave. “It’s a gathering for all those who care, who wish to participate and who are eager to share a message of love and support via a strong visual image and a donation,” said Bartholomew.

To take part, attendees simply register on the morning of the event and pay a donation of $10 for adults or a gold coin for each child, with all proceeds from the event going to the QLD Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal 2011. Parking is available to the public at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary car park, Tomewin Street, Currumbin.

“The Heartwave Beachwalk 2011 is a way for the folks on the Gold Coast to show our support for our fellow Queenslanders in this time of rebuilding. The floods may have passed, but the unity this tragic event has born out in the community will endure,” Wayne Rabbit Bartholomew, AM

“What a great way to spend a Saturday morning, getting involved in the HEARTWAVE Beach Walk at Currumbin! You get to have a great beachwalk, meet up with people, raise much needed funds and of course take part in the group heart shot – let’s get that message of support broadcast to those who need it!”, Natalie Gruzlewski, TV Personality.

Heartwave Beach Walk 2011 Event Schedule – Sat 12th February:

7.30AM – 8.30AM: Currumbin Beach (Elephant Rock southside). PARTICIPANTS ARRIVE, PAY A $10 DONATION (Kids pay a gold coin ). All participants receive a Heartwave Beachwalk wristband, water and energy bar.

9AM: WALKERS DEPART FOR THE 1 HOUR HEARTWAVE BEACHWALK

9.30 – 9.45AM: CHECKIN TO HEARTWAVE BEACH STATION AT SEA STREET TUGUN , REFRESH WATER, AND DEPART FOR THE RETURN WALK BACK TO CURRUMBIN BEACH START POINT

10.15AM: PARTICIPANTS ARE THEN INVITED TO SEND A MESSAGE OF LOVE BY FORMING A LARGE HEART SHAPE FORMATION IN THE SAND

AERIAL IMAGE CAPTURED BY ATTENDING MEDIA. .

OPPORTUNITY: SENDING A VISUAL MESSAGE TO QLD – YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS

Supported by: GCCC, CURRUMBIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, BILLABONG, KELLOGS, SAND, HOGARTH STUDIO, FAST PROOF PRESS, STRYKER MEDIA, SOUL ARCH MEDIA and many more.

Those unable to attend but wishing to support the event are encouraged to make a donation online payable to:

HEARTWAVE BEACHWALK 2011

BSB: 064404 ACCOUNT: 1045 5760

All proceeds from the event go to the QLD Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal 2011

For the latest event news, visit the Heartwave Beach Walk event page on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/heartwave

For event enquiries, contact Heidi Barholomew.
Contact: [email protected]

Posted in Charity, Community, Events | Leave a comment

Blu Sales Office Opens At Varsity Lakes

Posted on January 29, 2011 by admin

SALES for Varsity Lakes’ newest residential development have now been officially launched following the opening of the Blu sales display centre last week.

Development approval for the Lakefront Terrace Homes, the first of three stages to be launched as part of the Blu project, was granted earlier this month, in what will be one of few residential developments set for the Gold Coast next year.

Spread over two sites, Blu will comprise of 11 architect-designed Lakefront Terrace Homes on an 1824sqm block as well as 17 Urban Terrace townhouses and 47 two bedroom apartments on an adjoining 4000sqm block on South Bay Drive off Christine Avenue. The development will also make way for a 20m swimming pool, pavilion, gymnasium and landscaped BBQ area.

Centrally located on Varsity Parade in the Varsity Lakes CBD, the Blu sales office will feature a full scale apartment kitchen, living area and bathroom display, giving buyers the sense of quality, style and sophistication they can expect from Blu’s Lakefront Terraces, Urban Terraces and apartments.

Ben Skubris, managing director of Skand Developments said the display office was designed to provide visitors with a hands-on experience and features a full-scale model of the Blu precinct set for South Bay.

“We wanted people to be able to walk through the display and experience the complete look and feel of what they can expect from their new apartment,” said Mr Skubris.

“You can see and touch the finishes, the quality of the carpets and choose the tiling and bench tops. Large canvas wall impressions capture the essence of Blu and provide a glimpse of the views you could have from your very own living room.  We wanted to emulate the feeling of walking into your new home.”

The first to be released to the market, the Lakefront Terrace Homes are priced from $649,000 to $815,000 and will feature three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, study, double lock-up garage and ultra-modern finishes in a two-storey terrace style layout, complete with expansive ground-level patios and top floor decks overlooking the picturesque Lake Orr.

Adrian Parsons, managing director of TOTAL Project Marketing, who is marketing the property, said the team expected to see strong sales enquiries following the official launch of Blu to the marketplace.

“It’s perfect timing to be opening the sales office,” said Mr Parsons.

“Many locals and interstate visitors are on holidays on the Gold Coast at the moment, and they can take the time to pop in, take a walk around the display centre and get a feel for what life will be like at Blu.

“Settlement of the homes is expected in early 2012, which gives buyers over 12 months to sell their existing properties, a huge drawcard for people considering selling their home.  That’s the beauty of buying off the plan. Buyers can secure their new luxury home now, at today’s prices and settle later.”

Award winning BDA Architects are the designers behind Blu, the latest offering from locally owned Skand Developments, the group behind the now sold out $42 million H20 development on Moores Crescent, also at Varsity Lakes. Construction for the Blu Lakefront Terrace Homes is expected to get underway in May 2011.

Mr Parsons said due to the limited number of Lakefront Terrace Homes, buyers who get in first will have optimum choice when it comes to choosing the property with their preferred layout and position.

“It’ll be first in, best layout,” he said.

“With only 11 Terrace Homes available, the buyers first off the mark will have more choice when it comes to selecting their new home. While all Terraces feature a similar aspect and floor plan and all have immediate waterfront views, their layouts do vary slightly and of course, each home’s views will differ to a small degree as well.

Mr Parsons said Blu represents great value and quality living options in an area that is seeing continual growth and expansion.

“Varsity Lakes is proving to be one of the most popular areas to buy on the Gold Coast,” he said.

“Blu is a contemporary design Varsity Lakes hasn’t seen before. Its location, close to beaches, schools, amenities and the fast expanding Varsity CBD hub, together with a 12 month settlement makes it the ideal investment or owner-occupier opportunity.”

Blu is situated on South Bay Drive, Varsity Lakes. The residential development is centrally located close to primary and secondary schools, Bond University, Robina Hospital, shops, restaurants and sporting facilities. Blu is located only 5 minutes from Robina Town Shopping Centre and is located close to the major transport hubs of Varsity Central Train Station and Robina Train Station, 5 minutes drive to the M1 and only a short distance from the Gold Coast International Airport.

For more information, contact TOTAL Project Marketing on 1300 393 855, visit www.bluvarsitylakes.com.au or visit the sales display centre at 220 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes.

Posted in Real Estate | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

RST’S Train Spray System Innovation Cuts Costs

Posted on January 29, 2011 by admin

REYNOLDS Soil Technologies’ (RST) train spray system technology is leading the way in dust control in the coal transportation industry, using 90 per cent less product than other systems.

The Queensland based-innovator has developed a revolutionary train spray technology that effectively puts a stop to coal ‘fly-aways’ during rail transportation, and is both eco-friendly and uses minimal product to get the job done.

The mining services company identified a gap in the market for a long-wearing veneer crusting agent that requires less storage and packaging and significantly decreases transport and logistical expenses, ultimately minimising the carbon footprint of haulage companies.

Coal mines are said to lose in excess of $16 million in the escapement of coal each year. On large scale operations, dust suppression products may need to keep dust at bay for as many as two million rail wagons.

After observing the amount of product required for a typical rail transport project, RST set out to develop a more sustainable product while still achieving quality results.

RST’s technical and development director David Handel personally consulted chemical experts to develop an alternative and after nine months of rigorous testing, developed Superskin.

The ground breaking eco dust suppressant is now being integrated into the company’s spray system technologies to effectively treat mass coal movement, illuminating dust.

“Every year coal companies experience huge loss, a loss that coal mines can’t afford,” said Mr Handel.

“Together with Superskin and on-going technology and research, we are moving to put a stop to this loss.”

Mr Handel said some products on the market require a standard dosage rate of two per cent chemical applied to one litre. Over a square metre, this equates to more than two million litres of chemical being shipped to coal facilities all over Queensland.

“Put simply in terms of transport – this means more than 100 semi trailers would be required to supply these chemicals,” he said.

“We have developed an application which uses significantly less product to achieve the exact same result  – using only 200,000 litres of product, rather than two million, which is 90 per cent less. In transport terms, we’re talking 10 semi trailers, not 100.”

RST’s ‘green’ technology is exciting news not only for the industry, but also for the environment.

“Superskin also uses less raw materials and manufacturing costs, less packaging, freight and storage and of course less on site re-handling,” said Mr Handel.

“The biggest thing is protecting the environment. We, together with the mining companies, have an obligation to protect the environment and continue to develop eco-friendly, sustainable products.

“We’re helping the mining companies to meet these obligations and maximise productivity and return at the same time.”

RST has more than 20 years experience in total dust management and soil erosion management.

The Burleigh Heads-based company designs, constructs and maintains all systems. With qualified site technicians managing each program, RST will implement continual improvement programs to ensure that all products and systems are supplying clients with optimum results.

For more information please contact Reynolds Soil Technologies on (07) 5522-0244.

Posted in Industry, Transport & Infrastructure | Tagged , , | Leave a comment