Katie Dey: Forever Music
<p><span><span><span>- Taking a step back from the increasingly prolific output of Australian noise-pop artist Katie Dey, it’s actually kind of crazy to hear the difference between her earliest, hyper-experimental, jagged, digital storms of destroyed pop and what now, in many ways, is recognisably the sound of a singer-songwriter. Dey’s music is so integral to her being that such a change speaks to profound changes in herself.
Years & Years: Night Call
<p><span><span>- Bands devolving into other line-ups, splitting into duos or trios is commonplace in the music industry. Also just as common, though you might not think it so, are bands downsizing to just one person – <strong>WHAM!
Zedlines, Monday February 7, 11am
Moreton Bay Regional Council has made the controversial decision to demolish Suttons Beach Pavilion - with its official closure set for February 28th. In response to the announcement, a petition calling for the building to be saved has reached 6000 signatures. The pavilion - which was built in 1937 - is a popular destination for both tourists and the local community.
Zedlines, Monday February 7, 9am
9am Zedlines with James and Indio.
Image source: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/94393
Amount paid for national park commercial-in-confidence
The Queensland State Government has purchased land west of Townsville, known as ‘the lakes’, from a grazier as an addition to the national park network.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon announced yesterday the purchase of the 35,300 hectare parcel of land in Gudjala country.
The cost, which remains unknown to the public, was subsidised by a contribution made by Wyss Foundation and it is understood the property had been in the previous land owner's family for generations.
Sources:
Birds gone
Collaborative research led by The University of Queensland has found that threatened birds have disappeared from almost 70% of Australia since European colonisation.
A critically endangered bird, known as the Regent Honeyeater, used to flock in the thousands to the north of Brisbane. The bird is now rarely seen in a group of more than a dozen and it is estimated that there are only about 500 of the birds remaining, but Professor James Watson believes that there is a chance the Honeyeater can make a comeback.
RATs a write off: COVID tests tax deductible for business
The Australian federal government will make both PCR and rapid antigen tests tax deductible and fringe benefit tax-free when used for business purposes.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg stated that the move is intended to bring the cost of tests in line with other workplace expenses, and will apply to the 2021-2022 financial year, backdated to July first.
Australians taxed at 32.5% will be refunded roughly $6.50 for each $20 pack of two rapid antigen tests, while small businesses will reduce their fringe benefit tax liability by about $20 for the same.
Queensland more relaxed than other states: School start
Queensland students who returned to school today experienced relaxed COVID-19 protocols compared to other states.
Preventative measures, such as masks and ventilation, are required when students are standing but rapid antigen tests will only be provided free of charge to students who exhibit symptoms of the virus.
Parents will receive mental health resources if their children become ill and teachers have access to relief services and will teach in combined classes.
Today's Weather
It is forecast for a partly cloudy day with a slight chance of showers and south south-easterly winds becoming light in the evening.
Today’s temperature will reach a max of 28 degrees and the UV level will be extreme.
Matt Ward: Why I Protest
<p><span><span><span>- It doesn’t get much radio play or press coverage, but the protest chant is a music genre with a long history and a global network of performers and audiences. Almost everyone could recite a protest chant off the top of their head, such is the way these little ditties worm their way into the consciousness.</span></span></span></p>