Are you feeling Optimistic ?

[axe168]

AUD : SGD (2 Jan 2011)
1 : 1.31

AUD : USD (2 Jan 2011)
1 : 1.02

Strong AUD is creating 'GREED' in me, I have high urge to return to SG to contribute.. Rolex @ 30% off, plus GST 7% rebate !! Visiting Casino Sands at no $100 levy !

I remain optimistic on Australia's economy, despite some complaining expensive.. soon when it reach AUD:SGD at 1.45 and i'll be 45% better off compare to avg Singaporean.. hehe, not too bad to leave my comfort zone afterall..

 

[axe168]

http://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/Dollar-stay-high-2011-abc-2338081606.html?x=0

Dollar to stay high in 2011

On Saturday 1 January 2011, 12:54 EST

Economists are expecting the Australian dollar will continue to rise this year and should hover around parity with the greenback for several months.

Solid growth in China has driven demand for commodities, which has supported the Australian economy, leading to higher domestic interest rates and the stronger dollar.

National Australia Bank's chief market economist Rob Henderson says with the US dollar unlikely to rally significantly in the near future, the local currency should remain at historically high levels.

"In 2011, we expect interest rates to go up by about half a per cent," he said.

"What that will mean is that there will be upward pressure on the Australian dollar.

"And I say that because that's not fully priced into the market yet, so we think the peak will be around the middle of the year and around about $US1.05."

Meanwhile, economists say official interest rates should stay on hold during the first few months 2011, with the Reserve Bank not tipped to raise rates before April.

Last month the Reserve Bank said it considered the current cash rate of 4.75 per cent to be mildly restrictive.

The RBA also described banks' mortgage rates as slightly above average.

Mr Henderson says home owners may even be granted a reprieve until the middle of the year.

"We do think that growth in the economy will accelerate over the first couple of quarters so that around the middle of the year, the RBA will probably need to tighten up interest rates one more notch and then probably again later in the year," he said.

"So we think interest rates will probably be about half-a-per cent higher for the cash rate than they are at the moment."

 

[Ash007]

AUD : SGD (2 Jan 2011)
1 : 1.31

AUD : USD (2 Jan 2011)
1 : 1.02

Strong AUD is creating 'GREED' in me, I have high urge to return to SG to contribute.. Rolex @ 30% off, plus GST 7% rebate !! Visiting Casino Sands at no $100 levy !

I remain optimistic on Australia's economy, despite some complaining expensive.. soon when it reach AUD:SGD at 1.45 and i'll be 45% better off compare to avg Singaporean.. hehe, not too bad to leave my comfort zone afterall..

You check with your local rolex dealer yet? Sometimes they already priced the exchange rate in it already. So makes no difference if you buy in Singapore or Australia. You should check out HK, I think HK is a better shopping paradise then Singapore, Singapore has become too expensive. It is not, cheaper, better or faster at all.

 

[axe168]

You check with your local rolex dealer yet? Sometimes they already priced the exchange rate in it already. So makes no difference if you buy in Singapore or Australia. You should check out HK, I think HK is a better shopping paradise then Singapore, Singapore has become too expensive. It is not, cheaper, better or faster at all.

I have a frz working in Hour Glass Melbourne.. he can give 15% but i think SG is offering 30% (exchange gain)

 

[micheldell]

When you wake up in the morning you say: "Oh, God ... it's morning, " or do you day "Thank God, this is the morning, I look forward to today. " Why do some people very happy and optimistic, the other so unhappy And pessimistic? Do you often in a bad mood or just plan unhappy? A simple way to beat the blues or even a bad day.

 

[axe168]

A simple way to beat the blues or even a bad day.

I just won $1200 in Crown Casino! optimistic always, even the sky is falling down hehe

 

[fishbuff]

alot of flooding in qld, and the rain had wrecked havocs around my suburb.

 

[axe168]

I heard from my chicken suppliers about the heavy rain in Qld.. bloody hell work progressed slowly in Brisbane.

Hey, my wifey and me will be going to Bris on Tuesday ! 2 day - 1night stay..

alot of flooding in qld, and the rain had wrecked havocs around my suburb.

 

[neddy]

alot of flooding in qld, and the rain had wrecked havocs around my suburb.

Is your property damaged? Do insurance cover the flood?

Last year when the hail damaged my 2-brm investment property, I have to navigate through the broken tree branches to reach the house. The tenants were so glad to see me.

The emergency window repairer fixed all the damaged windows and blinds the next day.
And the professional cleaners spend half a day cleaning up the broken glass and cart the debris away to the local council disposal.
Suncorp sent their tradies to repair the damaged roof (50 broken tiles and 12 ridge caps + repointing).

Total insurance payout: $11k

No out-of-pocket expenses, Suncorp reimbursed me everything. They even forgot the $100 excess!

 

[fishbuff]

Is your property damaged? Do insurance cover the flood?

Last year when the hail damaged my 2-brm investment property, I have to navigate through the broken tree branches to reach the house. The tenants were so glad to see me.

The emergency window repairer fixed all the damaged windows and blinds the next day.
And the professional cleaners spend half a day cleaning up the broken glass and cart the debris away to the local council disposal.
Suncorp sent their tradies to repair the damaged roof (50 broken tiles and 12 ridge caps + repointing).

Total insurance payout: $11k

No out-of-pocket expenses, Suncorp reimbursed me everything. They even forgot the $100 excess!

im not sure if my insurance cover fence/retaining wall during this time of flood. whole front yard is a mess waiting for me to clear. :(

 

[neddy]

im not sure if my insurance cover fence/retaining wall during this time of flood. whole front yard is a mess waiting for me to clear. :(

retaining wall. is it a high one, any cracks due to land subsidence? properly done?

even if it is a DIY fence, the insurer may just pay you some money to fix.


Suncorp GIO do cover fence/exterior shed/pavilion.
Before that, with QBE, they add coverage for these exterior fixtures to their building insurance in 2007/8?

You can always check with your insurer.

I heard that Brissy is still raining - it is bloody hot in Perth today.
I think extreme al Nina weather is upon us. :(

 

[fishbuff]

retaining wall. is it a high one, any cracks due to land subsidence? properly done?

even if it is a DIY fence, the insurer may just pay you some money to fix.


Suncorp GIO do cover fence/exterior shed/pavilion.
Before that, with QBE, they add coverage for these exterior fixtures to their building insurance in 2007/8?

You can always check with your insurer.

I heard that Brissy is still raining - it is bloody hot in Perth today.
I think extreme al Nina weather is upon us. :(

the whole toowoomba is a frigging flood disaster zone right now. everyday rain non-stop.

 

[QXD]

If only the fed gov had the will to create a national pipeline, they could send some over here. It's weird seeing how dams are beyond 100% capacity over east and we have like 30% over here in perth...

 

[neddy]

the whole toowoomba is a frigging flood disaster zone right now. everyday rain non-stop.

This is getting bloody serious!
POLICE have told residents in low-lying areas of Strathpine and Caboolture to evacuate immediately as the flood alert hits the Brisbane area.

"The flood levels are expected to be greater than the 1974 floods. Do not stay in your homes please leave immediately," the alert said.

"Cars should be moved from low-lying areas."

Ipswich should also prepare to evacuate, the city's mayor says.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-new...oodwaters-take-stranglehold-on-towns/story-e6
frfku0-1225985563728#ixzz1Agw6bphr

Hold on tight!


At least you are in the RIGHT country when all these happened.
Just looking at the extensive govt & community relief arrangements.

http://www.businessspectator.com.au...r-Qld-farmers-and-business-CQTVC?opendocument



After the Perth hailstorm last year, there were a lot more new cars on the roads. One car dealer told me of the shortage of cars for sale because the insurers were getting replacement cars for their clients.

Insurers offer up to 2 years* for replacement of write-off cars for new cars.
(Western QBE offer up to 4 years)

*first-owner cars up to 2 years old

Some people do take advantage of this!

 

[fishbuff]

u can see the scene of the traffic thru this govt live traffic camera.

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Traffic-c...e=Riverside Expressway - Mercure Hotel (South

and here's the news on the flood that is currently occuring at toowoomba.

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-new...how-you-can-help/story-fn7ik2te-1225985436806

update: brisbane city has given the evac notice..

 

[neddy]

u can see the scene of the traffic thru this govt live traffic camera.

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Traffic-c...e=Riverside Expressway - Mercure Hotel (South

and here's the news on the flood that is currently occuring at toowoomba.

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-new...how-you-can-help/story-fn7ik2te-1225985436806

update: brisbane city has given the evac notice..

What a way to start the new year ....

Flooded, fried or frozen - take your pick of Australia's wild weather

• Summer snow in Tasmania
• 40*C sun in Perth
• 50-year Record floods in Carnavon WA
• and biblical flood and inland tsumani in QLD

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...ias-wild-weather/story-e6freuzr-1225976975417

 

[neddy]

update: brisbane city has given the evac notice..

Leave now if your suburb is recalled or you are in the flood prone zone, esp 1974 flood zone.

Prepare an Emergency documents folder if you have not done so.

Besides the usual emergency kit, (water, torch, radio, etc), Bring insect repellant to guard against mozzies spreading ross river virus.

http://www.emergency.qld.gov.au/emq/css/emergencykit.asp

Bring something to keep the kids entertained.

When you return, you may want to invest in this auto spray to keep the mozzies away.
http://www.raidautomatic.com.au/faq.html

Emergency Kit Contents

The range of natural hazards that affect Queensland can cause major disruptions to essential services. One of the most important steps you can take is to prepare your Household Emergency Kit and Evacuation Kit.

Your Emergency Kit is a collection of items that provides for your household’s essential needs in the event of emergencies like storms, floods and cyclones. Your kit should be kept in a sturdy, easy to carry bag or waterproof storage box and stored in a safe place that is easy to access.

Below is a range of suggested items to help prepare your Emergency Kit. This list includes items to have in your kit at all times and extra essentials to add to your kit during storm and cyclone seasons for when weather warnings are issued.

Items to include in your emergency kit at all times

Food and water
Range of non-perishable food items
Bottled water

Medical and sanitation supplies
First Aid Kit and manual
Essential medications, prescriptions and dosage
Toilet paper
Toiletry supplies (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo)
Personal hygiene items

Lighting
Torch with extra batteries (or wind up torch)
Battery powered lantern

Communications
Battery powered radio with extra batteries (or wind up radio)
Traditional wired telephone (for land line)
Prepaid phone cards and coins for phone calls

Clothing and footwear
Warm jumper, waterproof jacket, hat and gloves for everyone
Closed-toed shoes or boots for everyone

Tools and supplies
Plastic sheeting and Duct / masking tape to tape windows
Whistle and utility knife
Plastic garbage bags and ties
Safety glasses and sun glasses

Miscellaneous items
Specific supplies for infants (nappies and formula), the elderly and people with special needs
Spare house and car keys
Pet food, water and other pet needs

Important documents
Keep original or certified copies of the following documents in your Emergency Kit. Scan copies of these documents and save on a USB memory stick or CD to include in your kit. Keep all these items in sealed plastic bags.

Insurance documents for your house, contents, cars and valuable items
Inventory of valuable household goods
Wills and life insurance documents
House deeds / mortgage documents
Birth and marriage certificates
Passports / visa details
Stocks and bonds
Medicare, pension card details and immunisation records
Bank account and credit card details
Back up copies of important computer files
A copy of your completed Household Emergency Plan with emergency contact phone numbers


Extra items to include in your Emergency Kit during cyclone and storm season

Ensuring you have these extra items on hand or included in your kit during the storm and cyclone season will assist you when weather warnings are issued:

Food and water

Three days supply of non-perishable food (plus can opener, cooking gear, plates and utensils)
Clean water in sealed containers (10 litres per person is recommended for three days supply)
Water purification tablets
Medical and sanitation supplies

Extra supplies of medications
Prescriptions and details for all medications
Extra toiletry and sanitary supplies, sunscreen and insect repellant
Spare spectacles
Tools, communications and supplies

Wide masking tape for windows
Wrench or pliers to turn off all utilities
Tent and tarpaulin
Woollen and thermal blankets
A mobile phone, spare battery and charger
Clothing and footwear

Change of clothes for everyone, in stored plastic bags
Spare clothing and bedding
Miscellaneous items

Extra supplies for infants (extra formula, nappies etc.)
Extra supplies for the elderly or people with special needs
Spare cash (you may not be able to access electronic bank tellers (ATMs) due to power failures)
Pet provisions and information (e.g. vet papers, leash, water and food, collars with identification tag, pet beds, litter pan and scooper, carrier or harness and medication)
In a major emergency, there may be extended interruptions to power and water supplies.
The following items are recommended:

Barbeque or portable stove with fuel
Fully charged batteries for mobile phones
Spare batteries for torch and radio
Esky or gas / battery powered refrigerator

 

[fishbuff]

im going to stay with my HK friend at taringa which is on a higher hill for today and, hopefully i can go and assess the damages to the house with my african friend when the level subsides.

 

[neddy]

im going to stay with my HK friend at taringa which is on a higher hill for today and, hopefully i can go and assess the damages to the house with my african friend when the level subsides.

Take care.

Are the traffic lights working? There may be delays on the road, use a SUV/4WD.
Bring a camera.

My personal experience last March storm. (3pm) It took me more than 2 hours to get to my investment property on a normally 25min drive. And when I negotiated a hilly drive, large volume of water was gushing down the sides of the road and I had to drive on the centre dividing line of the road, avoiding debris. The police wished me good luck as they directed traffic and radioed to stop cars on the other side.
The green patches of grass had "turned white" due to the hails.

It did not occur to me to prepare an emergency kit because I did not know that the second and third rounds of hail were waiting for me.
But thank goodness that my car was in a carport when they hit. By 7:30pm, it was all over. My car was undamaged, but the hail hit my one of my tenant's finger and she was driven to a 24-hr clinic.

 

[neddy]

I have never seen anything like this before.

http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/#suburbs

Due to high demand, Brisbane City Council is currently displaying a low bandwidth version of the website.

Please use your browser's refresh button to ensure you have the latest information.

Last update: 11:30am

For the latest updates please see:
Brisbane City Council Newsroom
Council's Facebook page
Council's Twitter stream
For more detailed information, please see below:

All residents are reminded to stay away from flood waters for their safety.
Residents are also reminded that CityCat and CityFerry services remain closed due to river conditions caused by flooding.
Residents requiring assistance with property damage or flooding within their property boundary should contact the SES on 132 500.
To report downed trees outside of your property boundary or issues with stormwater drains, contact Council on 3403 8888.
To report fallen powerlines, phone Energex on 13 19 62.



Roads Closed
Suburbs likely to be affected by flooding
Brisbane Flood Maps
Flood Modelling
Sandbag Locations
Please register here to receive emergency notifications for severe weather for your location.
Roads Closed
Residents can get updates on current road closures by visiting www.131940.qld.gov.au
You can download a list of roads expected to flood today(Wednesday 12th).

For Council Media Releases, go to the Brisbane City Council Newsroom.

Suburbs likely to be affected by flooding
Albion
Auchenflower
Bowen Hills
Brisbane City
Bulimba
Chelmer
Coorparoo
East Brisbane
Fairfield
Fig Tree Pocket
Fortitude Valley
Graceville
Hemmant
Indooroopilly
Kangaroo Point
Lytton
Milton
Moggill
Murrarie
New Farm
Newstead
Norman Park
Oxley
Pinkenba
Rocklea
Sherwood
South Brisbane
Tennyson
Toowong
Yeronga
Yerongpilly
Windsor
Wacol