Brisbane is an interesting city. Unsurprisingly, it is much hotter than Auckland (it's supposed to reach 31°C today and it reached 34°C one day last week). The consequence of this is that everyone walks so slowly.video scotty doesnt know
Well, walks slowly is probably a bit generous. They amble along so you are continuously getting stuck behind groups of people, all who seem to be in no hurry whatsoever. I wonder what it's like once you get up to Townsville or Cairns...video scotty doesnt know
Public transport actually works here. The buses, trains, and ferries all use the same tickets, and daily passes aren't too expensive. They have quite a few bus lanes and dedicated busways that make catching the bus a fairly quick trip. Depending on how things go, we might not get a car for some time.video scotty doesnt know
But, they are running out of water. We are currently on level 4 restrictions (basically, outdoor watering is limited), but will have to go further soon. There are a number of infrastructure projects due for completion in a couple of years - hopefully the water will last until then. It appears as though the catchment areas are in the wrong place here. It has rained a few times since we arrived, but pretty much missed the catchment areas every time.video scotty doesnt know
Federalism is interesting. Currently the Commonwealth Government (technically this is the Commonwealth of Australia, so the federal government in Canberra is called the Commonwealth Government) is trying to take control of the Murray-Darling basin (a massive water catchment area across 4 states) to try and improve water efficiency across the country. The Commonwealth Government is currently the (Liberal/National) Coalition (John Howard and Co.), but all the States are currently governed by the Labor Party, making for some interesting fighting. NSW has signed on to the plan so far, but no-one else yet.video scotty doesnt know
There is no daylight saving in Queensland, which makes for some interesting daylight times. At present it gets light sometime after about 5am in the morning, but is dark by about 7pm. Daylight saving hasn't been introduced as the north of Queensland doesn't want it (they have less daylight). An inquiry looking into it has been set up by the State government, but is likely to fail as the only option they are allowed to consider is a split-state timezone.video scotty doesnt know
Comments
Sounds good... hope you're enjoying the heat!video scotty doesnt know
The water thing is interesting. Howard's man is Malcolm Turnbull, former Chairman of the Austrlaian Republican Movement (ARM) and also former enemy of Howard for the same reason...video scotty doesnt know
although the ARM doesn't have much to do with Water, Turnbulls links to ALP (Labor) through it does. Turnbull, I think, knows he needs to work with the ALP to win over the Murray / Darling Basin catchment, and he has the links to do it. Howard's politricking rides again!video scotty doesnt know