Dominic Cansdale

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Dominic Cansdale

From his shop on the Gold Coast Highway, Jess Firkin watches construction of a billion-dollar public transport infrastructure project. It is a 6.7 kilometre stretch of light rail that will connect about 1 million passengers a month from the shopping precinct of Broadbeach to the stunning beaches of Burleigh Heads. But it comes with road closures, a loss of parking spaces and the loud clamour of construction — something Mr Firkin says has cost his Mermaid Beach business.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Dominic Cansdale

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate's "tongue in cheek" suggestion to bus some homeless people to Byron Bay would be a bandaid response, according to homelessness specialists. On Tuesday Cr Tate said a group of homeless people camping at Carey Park in Southport could be offered free bus trips to Byron Bay. "I'm happy to get them a bus and, if they want to, take them to Byron Bay to enjoy the lifestyle down there," he said.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Dominic Cansdale

A multi-billion-dollar project is on the table and the Gold Coast's mayor says the Queensland government is setting it up to fail. More than 92 million people have used the city's light rail but plans for its final stage is causing a rift between city leaders. The project runs along the rapidly growing city's coastal strip, from suburban Helensvale south to the Broadbeach tourist strip, with future stages expected to continue to Gold Coast Airport.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Dominic Cansdale

Wildlife rangers believe a small freshwater crocodile reportedly found on a Gold Coast street is likely either an escaped pet or was taken illegally from the wild, according to wildlife rangers. The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) was contacted by a member of the public on Sunday, who found the reptile near Mudgeeraba before handing it over. The ABC has contacted the person for comment. The crocodile appears to be about two months old and in good health.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Dominic Cansdale

A manhunt is underway on the Gold Coast after a man allegedly shot a neighbour and stabbed another at a Surfers Paradise unit complex. Police were called to Peninsular Drive in Surfers Paradise just before 2am on Monday and found a 44-year-old man with stab wounds to his head, neck and leg. A 21-year-old man suffered stab wounds to his back and a gunshot wound to his stomach. A 38-year-old man, known to the men, fled the scene in a white Mazda hatchback before police arrived.