As winter arrives hopefully so does the clear blue sky! A quick check online shows that from January to June 2025 we have had 87 rain days with a total of 1172.6mm of rain! With school holidays starting towards the end of June here’s hoping the skies remain blue for all the holiday makers keen to enjoy our tourism offerings after a very damp summertime.
QCAT Review
Retired Federal Court Judge, and former Supreme Court Justice, the Honourable David Thomas has been appointed to undertake the well overdue review of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 is required to be reviewed every five years, with the previous review finalised back in 2018.
The second review, previously announce to be completed in early 2024, remains outstanding on account of the Labor Government’s failure to release a Departmental consultation paper and engage with stakeholders. Mr Thomas is a former QCAT President, former President of the then Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal, a retired Judge of the Federal Court and former Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland.
QCAT hears and settles a vast range of complex civil, administrative, and disciplinary subject matters. The independent tribunal provides mediation, dispute resolutions, decision-making and review services for Queenslanders, businesses, and Government.
Trade Mission to China
Our Government has secured millions of dollars in new export deals during a major trade mission to China. The mission re-established Queensland’s commercial presence in China through 17 high-level trade, investment, and education meetings across Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen. The delegation also opened a new Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) office in Shenzhen to boost exports in the Greater Bay Area. Over the past seven months, TIQ offices in the Greater Bay Area have already driven more than $46 million in commercial outcomes for Queensland businesses – a powerful return on investment that cements Queensland’s place in the region’s growth story.
The State of the City
With its enviable lifestyle and diverse opportunities, the Gold Coast economy offers a strong growth trajectory and unique career pathways for its residents. The Gold Coast is home to Australia’s largest regional economy, estimated to be valued at $45.4 billion in 2022-23
The largest sector on the Gold Coast, in terms of economic value added (contribution to gross regional product), is the construction sector which was valued at $4.5 billion in 2022-23 The healthcare and social assistance sector is estimated to be the second largest sector with a value of $4.3 billion in 2022-23. In employment terms, among the top 5 sectors on the Gold Coast, it’s the fastest growing sector in recent years, having experienced annual employment growth of 4.7% since 2011. The remaining sectors in the top five are professional, scientific and technical services, manufacturing, and retail trade respectively.
Source COGC Golden Opportunities magazine
Light Rail update
A team of about 1,100 workers has been making progress in recent months. Track works are underway across 60 per cent of the Stage 3 alignment, and the upgrade and relocation of power, water and drainage infrastructure is nearing completion. It is projected that the light rail will open early 2026
As always, if I can be of assistance with any State matter, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Ph: 07 5600 0100
Email: mermaid.beach@parliament.qld.gov.au
Address: 1/2434 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach, 4218, QLD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raystevens.mp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raystevens.mp
Cheers
Ray Stevens MP
