The Journalist motto;
    “Never let the truth - come in the way of a “good” story?”
“Good” = “Bad News”.

Whatever might sell, will qualify for front-page appearance. That it is totally exaggerated, out of proportion - and outright lies don’t seem to concern editors and selectors.

I know many people who would love to have 20+ sunny days in a month, and with an average daytime temperature over 21°.

“Gold Coast shivering through the wettest June since 2006”???

Well I happen to live on the middle of the Gold Coast, and as most Queenslanders have water-tank in the backyard connected to toilets and washing machine. These three thousand litres of extra water supply normally last us for about two weeks, and then we have to wait for the next shower.

This water-tank filled up completely during some showers the 1st to the 3rd of June, and we enjoyed our own water for couple weeks. The tank has now been empty for more than two weeks, we have had a very dry period with cold nights.

Looking at the official statistics;

We received 75mm the 3rd of June, and with an exemption of 12 and 16 mm the 10th and 11th , there have been no considerable rainfall from the 4th to 27th of June. A 23 day period with dry weather – but ok, twist around statistics and you can bring forward any bad news you want.

After all, June is a dry winter month with a 15 year average of 10 rain days and 114mm rain for the month. And they also choose 2006 as a cut off year for the bad news of 190mm total – June 30th 2005 gave us 350.8 mm finishing the June 2005 total at 455.8 mm.

We finally got a few showers on Tuesday, and more solid rain on Wednesday (27th) that filled the water tank again. Today Thursday we have the sun attempting to break through the clouds – while occasional showers are quite regular.

And the forecast from “BOM”;

• Thursday afternoon;    Showers
• Friday;    Mostly Fine, possible shower.    20°C
• Saturday;    Fine, partly cloudy.    22°C
• Sunday;    Fine, mostly sunny.    20°C

And then we have two wet days 27th and 28th – causing depression???

In the article Prof. Peta Stapleton are warning the local Gold Coast residents may develop depression symptoms with the now and another two days of rain. !!!

Well, I have spent 35 years in “the cold country” where cold, gray and miserable weather is the norm. - And by cold, we mean sub zero temperatures.

In this freezing and miserable climate, two or three months with around zero temperature, a lot of rain and not seeing the sun - is not an issue. When the winter stretches to four, five or six months then we noticed a pressure, actually severe depression and increased amount of suicide.

People in those type of climates will almost die for the opportunity of spending June 2012 on the Gold Coast, probably both enjoying and loving our rainfall records.

And again, “Winter” is sub zero temperatures, not averaging +21.2°C in the worst winter months since 2006.

The article further talks about defining the harsh climates, and venture out, in this seemingly life-threatening rain, and just go for walk. It is all ludicrous exaggerations!

So what is all this negative propaganda? What’s the purpose?

Isn't the Australians depressed, miserable and sick enough - without having it crammed into them on a daily basis?

Isn't this to make people even sicker, maybe hoping for a boost in drug sales?


In conclusion;

Shape up Gold Coast Bulletin and all other media, why do we have to see all this dull, boring negative BS. Get off your computer, go out and get some sun – we have plenty off it here on the Gold Coast.

Have great warm and sunny Gold Coast Winter.