The Local Tavern   Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre Photo: Surfers Paradise Local

Whether you’re coming in to catch the game, enjoy dinner or lunch with the family or wanting a cold one, The Local Tavern has all you could want with a friendly local vibe it's a meeting place like no other.

Address: G29/ 3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Phone: (07) 3558 3323

The Local Tavern Web: thelocaltavern.com

Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12:00pm-9:30pm-Friday-Saturday 12:00pm-12:00am

Gold Coast Hinterland Image by dougkpga from Pixabay

Two of Queensland’s most popular national parks have expanded thanks to a partnership worth more than $600,000 between the Department of Environment and Science (DES) and the Foundation of National Parks and Wildlife (FNPW).

More than 185 hectares of undisturbed forest habitat has been added to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage-listed Lamington and Main Range National Parks.

Queensland’s Protected Area Strategy 2020-2030 supports the expansion of our national parks and other protected areas.

• $600,000 deal adds 185 hectares of pristine habitat to much-loved national parks
• More than 14 million hectares in Queensland now protected

Quotes attributable to Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“I’d like to thank our new partners at FNPW for contributing $340,000 towards expanding these extraordinary national parks, which hold a special place in the hearts so many Queenslanders,” Minister Scanlon said.

“The Lamington National Park addition is a pristine area of beautiful tall forests and rugged mountains and is habitat for a range of rare species of fauna and flora.

“One of the best parts of Queensland’s lifestyle is our great natural assets like our National parks.

“This will mean more national park that Queenslanders can access for recreation like bushwalking and camping.

“My department had a long history of cooperative conservation management with Mr Ken and Mrs Jan Drynan who previously owned the property which is surrounded on three sides by Lamington National Park.

“Sadly, Mr Drynan passed away not long after the property was acquired, but with the expansion now formalised, a lasting connection has been forged between his family and park rangers who knew and respected him.

“The joint purchase of this land with FNPW completes a section of park near the New South Wales border and consolidates the park boundary.

“The addition to Main Range National Park has connected two existing sections of the protected area, which are popular for remote bush walking.

“The new area also includes pristine tall forests set beside the rugged and spectacular western escarpment of Main Range and features riverine wetlands of very high aquatic conservation significance.

“With these purchases, the Palaszczuk Government is delivering on our promise to expand and sustainably manage our protected areas.

“We will also consider other privately owned properties with significant conservation values for addition to the protected area estate.

“My department will continue to work with FNPW and other conservation organisations to identify opportunities for co-investment in protected area acquisitions.

“We will continue to add properties to our estate that will help conserve Queensland’s natural and cultural heritage.”

Quotes attributable to Foundation of National Parks and Wildlife CEO Ian Darbyshire:

“The foundation is proud to be a part of the recent acquisitions, which is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to preserve and protect Australia's unique and diverse wildlife and national parks,” Mr Darbyshire said.

“This acquisition aligns with our mission to expand the country's national parks and conserve threatened species for future generations.

“With over 50 years of expertise in park and wildlife preservation, FNPW will continue to work in partnership with government agencies, corporations, and local communities to achieve our goal of creating a lasting impact and positive change for Australia's natural environment.

“We are appreciative of the support of our partners and supporters in making this acquisition possible and look forward to continuing our mission of safeguarding Australia's national parks and wildlife for generations to come.”

Fast facts:

The Palaszczuk Government has committed $262.5 million over four years to expand and sustainably manage Queensland’s National Parks.

More than 14 million hectares in Queensland now protected.

Attribution: State of Queensland

(BPT) - With the new year comes new goals, new resolutions, new trends — and a new you. Colette Heimowitz, vice president of Nutrition and Education at Simply Good Foods Company, is sharing a few of the latest trends in health and wellness that will help you navigate an overall better lifestyle for the year ahead.

Trend 1: Damp January

This January, maintaining a damp lifestyle will become an increasingly popular choice in health and wellness. What is a damp lifestyle? In other words, you may not abstain 100% from all alcoholic beverages, but you can plan to avoid heavy drinking. Heimowitz recommends this trend as it can also help you maintain a low-carb lifestyle.

“The liver makes ketones out of alcohol, so technically when you drink, you’ll remain in ketosis. The problem is that alcohol converts more easily to ketones than fatty acids do, so your liver will use the alcohol first, in preference to fat,” explains Heimowitz. “When you drink, your fat burning is put on hold until all the alcohol is out of your system.”

Trend 2: Affordable bento boxes

With the cost of food continuing to rise, Heimowitz shares her favorite, trendy and most cost-effective way to pack lunch. Bento boxes were a trend you may have noticed on social media in the past year, and they aren’t going away! Derived from the traditional Japanese lunch box, you can find numerous bento boxes online and in stores that make packing a lunch fun, easy and convenient — for grownups and kids alike.

To create a balanced bento box, start with a protein source such as a Low Carb Mediterranean Canned Tuna and Cucumber Salad. Canned tuna is an inexpensive pantry staple and is naturally low in carbs. Once you have your protein base, pack some fruits and veggies, as well as a fun snack.

“The Atkins Protein Chips add a tasty and much needed crunch to your lunch,” Heimowitz says. “The line offers three flavors: Nacho Cheese, Ranch and Chipotle BBQ. Each contains 13 grams of protein and 4 grams of net carbs, making them great for snacking.”

Trend 3: Accommodating recipes for dietary restrictions

As people continue to explore and embrace new lifestyles such as vegetarianism, keto and more, one of the biggest trends is leaning toward flexible, accommodating recipes for those with dietary restrictions.

Most recently, cloud bread went viral on the internet due to its fun consistency, health benefits and its flexibility for accommodating dietary restrictions. For example, the Atkins Keto Barbecue Cloud Bread Sandwiches have only a few ingredients and come together in less than an hour! Add your favorite sandwich fixings and Atkins Protein Chips to create a delicious sandwich and the perfect, balanced meal for a better 2023.

Try the popular recipe: Atkins Keto Barbecue Cloud Bread Sandwiches

Ingredients:

2 bags Atkins Chipotle BBQ Protein Chips

4 large raw eggs

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

4 ounces cream cheese

1/4 teaspoon table salt

5 pieces fresh green leaf lettuce

5 slices, medium fresh tomatoes

10 ounces roasted turkey breast

3 3/4 ounces cheddar cheese

5 slices, thin fresh red onion

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 300°. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.

2. In a food processor, process chips into crumbs. Set aside 4 teaspoons; pour the rest into a medium bowl.

3. Separate the egg whites and yolks, placing the yolks in the bowl with the chips, and placing the egg whites into a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer with a whip attachment. Sprinkle egg whites with cream of tartar and whip until stiff peaks form.

4. Warm cream cheese gently in a microwave (15 seconds) or over steaming water. Whisk together with egg yolks, chips and salt. Gently fold in egg whites, one-third at a time, until combined and very fluffy.

5. Form barbecue cloud buns by scooping 1/4 cup batter onto the parchment-lined sheet pans, spreading gently into 3-inch rounds with about 1 inch between. Sprinkle buns evenly with the reserved 4 teaspoons of chip crumbs. Each sheet pan should hold 5 buns. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tops are nicely browned. Allow the buns to cool on the sheet pan before assembling sandwiches.

6. Assemble sandwiches just before serving (cloud bread does not hold up to moisture). On one bun, layer 1 leaf lettuce, 1 slice tomato, one slice red onion, 2 ounces sliced roasted turkey, and a 3/4-ounce slice cheddar cheese, then top with a second bun.

Following these trends can help you stay on track for your 2023 goals, while also enjoying your wellness journey. Check out Atkins.com for more amazing recipes and helpful nutrition tips, and to explore products that you can order online or find at Walmart, Amazon, Target or your local retailer.    Attribution: Brandpoint Content

QBD Back to School

Hope you are well.

We have our Back To School offers running  now and are available to view online here: QBD.com Please note these offers end on January 31

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@7 days Convenience Surfers Paradise Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday  The article will be updated Once more Info comes through