12:00a.m. 5th July 2008

Justin Timberlake dons a pair of budgie smugglers for his role in the new movie The Love Guru.

Rising rates, rents and water bills were hot topics this week as the Sunshine Coast Regional Council handed down its first budget.

Bloggers on thedaily.com.au were divided over the fairness of rates rises, especially the introduction of a separate category for investment properties.

There was also anger at news the megalitre cost of our water will increase by 400% as a result of the transfer of assets to the state government.

One of the biggest news stories of the week was the shock shooting death of a volunteer firefighter at Rainbow Beach, with the man’s father-in-law later charged with his alleged murder.

Animals were once again to the fore, with the dog attack on a man in a Buderim park and a plan to trial collars measuring dogs’ barks pitting canine lovers against non-pooch owners.

Photo Gallery: Are Speedos sexy?

Are Speedos sexy?

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And are budgie smugglers sexy? Justin Timberlake may be wearing Speedos a size too small for his role in the new film The Love Guru but it seems Coast folk aren’t so keen on seeing sluggers in public.