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There’ll be a new solar panel installation on the Gold Coast, as the Gold Coast’s Seaway Sand Bypass System will be utilizing a PILOT solar-powered, renewable energy system in order to help power itself, in order to cut down on carbon emissions, as well as operational costs.

Work is currently underway for the creation of a 100-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array that’ll be used to provide power for The Spit’s Sand Bypass System. Said system transports 500,000m³ of sand from The Spit to South Stradbroke Island annually, which helps keep the Gold Coast Seaway navigable and safe for seafaring vessels, both commercial and recreational.

The currently-used system eats up about 1.5 megawatts of electricity annually during operations, which amounts to about enough power to light up approximately 200 homes.

The new system, a 100-kilowatt solar panel installation on the Gold Coast capable of providing electricity equivalent to about 12 houses, is expected to cut down the Sand Bypass System’s annual power bill by $24,000. Work on the system started in April, and is expected to end by the latter half of June this year.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey says that the project meshes well with the state government’s plans to commit to renewable energy, environmental conservation, and reduced carbon emissions. He notes that the Sand Bypass System helps maintain the sustainable operation of the Gold Coast’s waterways, keeping them accessible and safe, but they require a lot of power in order to operate.

CEO Hal Morris expressed similar sentiments regard the project, adding that they’re installing it as part of a pilot programme aimed at getting a clearer picture of the solar output potential of the area, as well as the impact that the coastal environment has on solar systems, as well as the Sand Bypass System’s energy load profile.

He adds that the information will then be used to see if the system can receive further developments in order to further cut down on its operating costs, as well as their carbon footprint.

SAE Group received the contract to design, install and maintain the solar system, following a $350,000 investment from the Gold Coast Waterways Authority.

There is only a year and a half left before the Expo 2020 Dubai’s inauguration therefore the organizers have decided to quicken the pace of giving out contracts to not just hundreds but thousands of firms both local and international. This is to guarantee that there will be enough time to prepare for the event which is expected to be the grandest of its kind to be held in Arab World. This will be a once in a lifetime experience for specialist logistics according to the experts.

The groundwork alone for the exhibition has already resulted to many business opportunities in different sectors but the logistics sector turned out to be the most dominant of all. There are around 25 million visitors coming to the event and over 200 global participants will join as they come from 190 nations.

Based on data, 56 percent of the available contracts by Expo 2020 Dubai has already been appointed to SMEs or small and medium sized enterprises. On the other hand, over 26,000 firms from 150 nations have already sent in their applications to be included in the lineup for the said event.

According to the chair of Gulf Pinnacle Logistics based in Dubai, Shailesh Dash, every time a global company decides to enter into a contract with UAE, they have to find professional support in the logistics market covering the local and global network in order for them to transition and transport their equipment to the new base country in the Gulf.

Dash said that contractors of the event are depending on logistics firm that are reliable and with much experience under their wings in order to act as their partners both strategically and operationally. The truth is that freight companies are more than just the ones moving the containers but they also help in other aspects such as organizing, contracting and complying in various customs processes. They are also subjected to time frames as well as complex operations. There is no denying that specialist logistics based in UAE are currently benefiting from the Expo 2020 because demand is higher for them while other sectors are not doing too well.

Organizing an event involves a lot of preparations and decision makings to make. Picking the right venue will give the biggest impact on the event which is an integral part of the preparation. It must be properly assessed and researched to make the right decision.

Choosing the right corporate event venue in Sutherland partly affects the catering options, date when the event is scheduled, and pleasant experiences of the attendees. The earlier you start searching for a venue the better.

Things to consider in your search for a venue:

1. Location

Choose a location within a rational distance from the homes of most of the attendees or workplaces. If most attendees would be traveling by air, a location close to the airport and the hotels they are billeted would be ideal. Whichever would be the case, you must consider the traffic, parking options, and transportation.

2. Capacity

You need to know the capacity of the venue and check if the number of attendees would be comfortably accommodated so they can enjoy and have fun.

3. Parking

A venue with ample parking space and valet parking would be a good choice. Also check if there are nearby parking areas in case the venue’s space is not enough for the guests. Inquire for the parking fees if there are any.

4. Amenities and services

The amenities and services would include kitchen and catering services. Check if the facility fees could be waived. Venues without kitchen facilities mostly partner with caterers to provide for the food.

5. Layout

Get a floor plan of the venue to allow you to make the necessary set-up of the event,

6. Ambiance

Consider the existing design and décor of the venue. Make sure that it would fit your type of event.

7. Insurance

Inquire if the venue management requires you of insurance to cover for the cost for damages, should there be any.

8. Accessibility

This refers to the access of everyone to the venue especially those having special needs if you have attendees that need this special facility.

9. Acoustics

It is ideal to get a venue with good acoustics so that the guests will not strain their ears and lose their voices while communicating with each other.

10. Cost and Flexibility

Finally, check if the venue has open dates. This is a good way to negotiate with them cost wise.

Getting a good venue for a corporate event is an essential element to consider to allow your guests to have fun and experience good times that they can treasure.

Professional athletes may find themselves in a unique situation when it comes to paying taxes. They usually earn income in Canada and the United States that charge different jock tax rates. Tax planning and working with an audit insurance company is very important for athletes who earn a steady income throughout the year.

Donovan Bailey is a retired Jamaican-Canadian sprinter who legally broke the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters to hold an Olympic world record. Bailey gave $3.75 million to charity with the assurance that one day who he would get a chunk of the money. This is part of a tax plan that will protect the money he has earned from sponsorship fees and prizes.

The funds are shielded from taxes in an athletic trust but after his retirement, Bailey had to gradually close the trust to minimize CRA’s cut on his earnings. The donation that was made to charity will flow back through a complicated series of transactions before it becomes tax-free through an offshore trust.

However, the charitable donation plan was a way to escape paying taxes which the government found later on. The architect of the plan was Stuart Bollefer, a Bay Street tax lawyer who claims to have the ability to provide innovative resolutions to the tax issues of his clients. The tax scheme was also promoted to other athletes that include a prominent Olympic athlete and a world champion skier.

The scheme allowed Bollefer’s clients to shuttle millions of dollars to offshore accounts using a colourful cast of characters. The Canadian government went after Bailey and Bollefer’s clients for unpaid taxes otherwise, they will face criminal prosecution. Bailey owed the Canadian government almost $2.3 million in taxes. Bailey was given the wrong advice in handling his money and he has to settle his tax debt.

The protection provided by audit insurance company prevents disputes from happening between accountants or lawyers and their clients. Fees associated to tax audits are paid promptly and the client avoids sleepless nights of stress and worries. Audit insurance covers previously logged returns including those that the accountant did not lodge or prepare.