ADDED COST OF ELECTRICITY USAGE IN SUMMER
Will Queensland’s power grid survive the summer? Will greater demand for energy lead to blackouts? Are households set for higher power bills as LNG and LPG prices increase due to global demand impacting electricity generation?
- Electro-mechanical engineer Associate Professor Andreas Helwig has the answers to all these questions and more! He has crunched the numbers. If all goes well for cooler than normal summer, then minor increasing energy costs will result while maintaining sufficient energy security. But he warns if Queensland has a hot summer, and eastern Australia has significant continuing weather events, then any significant black coal thermal power station outage at, for instance, the Callide B plant, then there could be risks of load shedding with rising NEM electricity costs. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435 and Sarah Green: 0417 799 331
AUSTRALIA’S BOOZE CULTURE LEAVES A BAD TASTE
For many Australians, drinking is a big part of summer culture. Alcohol is often a component of social occasions, celebrations and time spent with family and friends – leaving many with a hangover the next day and a fuzzy recollection of what happened the previous day. The sobering truth is that any amount of alcohol consumption can be dangerous to your health.
- Public health expert Dr Aletha Ward can explain how alcohol affects your health, the short-term and long-term effects of alcohol consumption, Australians’ drinking habits and ways you can drink responsibly and still have fun. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435 and Sarah Green: 0417 799 331
DO SUMMER FLINGS MEAN A THING?
Summer is the season for some sizzling romance or a “holiday fling”. While they tend to be shorter, more intense and free from emotional baggage, for singles looking for a serious commitment, a casual summer romance might be emotionally risky and lead to heartbreak or disappointment.
- Relationships expert Dr Raquel Peel explored the topic in a The Conversation article published earlier this year. She can discuss the pros, cons and golden rules to a successful summer fling and why holiday romances are not just for singles. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435 and Sarah Green: 0417 799 331
DON’T LOSE SLEEP OVER SUMMER
Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures and difficulty falling asleep can make it harder to get a good night’s sleep. Many Australians spend restless nights tossing and turning in bed due to the heat, so what can we do to get the rest we need?
- Dr Chris Watling’s main research focus is the effects of sleep deprivation and poor sleep habits on cognitive functions, mental health, and more broadly, general wellbeing. He can discuss all issues related to sleep and his top tips to sleep tight. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435 and Sarah Green: 0417 799 331
STORING FOOD SAFELY IN HOT WEATHER
Picnics in the park, family barbecues and camping holidays are all popular summer activities for Aussies. However, eating outside can lead to some nasty surprises with food poisoning more common in summer months.
- Chemical and materials engineer and food scientist Dr Polly Burey can explain how heat affects food and provide some hot tips on how to store and prepare food safely at home and when you are out and about. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435 and Sarah Green: 0417 799 331
