Queensland invention protects infrastructure from flooding damage

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has expressed concerns about how major supermarket chains are treating Australians. He commented after a report from the ACCC that revealed these supermarkets are among the most profitable globally. Chalmers said that despite falling inflation, people still feel financial pressure at the grocery store. The government is taking measures to address this. They are making the food and grocery code mandatory and strengthening the powers of the ACCC. Chalmers emphasized that the government aims to support competition by allowing new players to enter the market and prevent larger chains from exploiting consumers. In other news, a Queensland invention may have saved transportation infrastructure from damage during Cyclone Alfred. The "flood tuff" units were tested in southeast Queensland as floodwaters rose. These devices, developed by the University of Queensland, are designed to protect traffic management systems from flooding. The flood tuff units, which had pockets of air trapped inside, reportedly prevented around $250,000 in potential damage. Senior engineer Philip Bennet believes that these devices will prove cost-effective by maintaining operational traffic infrastructure. As for the weather, Brisbane is expected to be dry today, with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius. However, the forecast includes a 60 percent chance of showers on Friday. In the broader news, a recent analysis suggests that a worker earning $150,000 per year can only afford a home in 27.6 percent of Brisbane’s suburbs. Additionally, there are discussions in the LNP cabinet about a new stadium in Victoria Park, though a proposal to relocate the Brisbane Arena is creating some debate.