A Japanese Zen themed retreat is set to be built in the Gold Coast Hinterlands.

The Sakya development has been approved for a 33,150 sqm site on Estelle road in the remote Currumbin Valley.

Sakya is headed by Jin Xu and Mi Li, who described the plan as a cultural exchange envoy, fostering a bridge between cultures.

All Gold Coast beaches have now been closed because of worsening surf conditions. 

Some beaches in Burleigh were open early yesterday morning, however as conditions worsened they also closed. 

The council warns locals against walking along the beach, particularly with children as strong tidal surges could knock them down.

Japan is auctioning whale meat at very high prices after the ban on commercial whale hunting was lifted last week.

The meat cuts are being sold for up to 15000 yen or $140.

Despite international outcry, Japan expects to hunt at least 227 whales before the end of the year. 

Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has confirmed the missing australian who was detained in North Korea has been safely released. 

Detained student, Alek Sigley, arrived in Beijing with the help of Sweedish officials on Thursday and is now staying at the Australian Embassy in Beijing. 

Mr Sigley told reporters he is feeling ‘great’ however he did not offer any details about why he was detained. 

The Northern Territory government is fighting civil claims surrounding the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre, arguing that its use of ‘spit hoods’ on minors was justifiable. 

Spit hoods are devices put over prisoners’ heads to prevent them from biting, which look like a bag that goes over the head. 

The practice was banned after a royal commission into youth detention, however the device is still being used. 

The Coalition Government's $158 billion dollar tax plan has passed through the Senate.

The legislation went through 56 to 9, with only the Greens voting against the bill. 

Labor initially wanted to amend the bill in the Senate, delaying the third stage which includes long-term structural changes, but failed to convince crossbenchers to support them.

Part of the change means more than 10 million Australians will receive a tax cut up to $1,080 dollars.

The state government has signed a key construction contract as part of the planned Cross River Rail project, a move the deputy premier believes will guarantee the project will go ahead. 

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad described the agreement as a key milestone and expects to see the project create jobs over the next couple of months. 

Ms Trad says major construction will commence later this year as scheduled, starting with the demolition of the Roma Street Transit Centre.

Ulster Lane, which is located at 211 Elizabeth Street, will be renovated into a new public space with restaurants, bars and cafés.

Aria Property Group is working on the transformation, the same group that planned Fish Lane, and they intend to completely refurbish it after the Council’s approval this week.

Work on the refurbishment will begin in October and is expected to be complete by March next year.