Letters to Redlands2030 – 23 October 2015

Letters to Redlands2030 this week discuss population growth in the Redlands, plans for sale of Council land and the local government elections in a few months time.

If you have something to say, and you want to say it to a lot of people, send an email to:
theeditor@redlands2030.net

Save Redlands from becoming a dormitory ghetto

Thank you to Redlands2030 for hosting the community workshop with State Planning officers recently to advise us of the new State Planning Act. It was informative and clarified much of the political argy-bargy that goes on.

It is clear now that State is interested in only providing a framework for local government to work within and that the nitty-gritty details of housing density and population numbers fall entirely to local authorities.

In light of this, the housing target of 26,000 homes for a population increase of 50,000 is the result of decisions made by Redland City Council. It is NOT enforced by the State. Given that Redlands is gridlocked right now with three congested exit roads, a single track train line that is closer to a milk-run than commuter transport, and a bus system that should be heritage-listed, it is not unreasonable to advise the State that unless and until there is a decent commuter service to the City, where the jobs are, or until a government department is sited within the Redlands, then there is no capacity to increase population.

This may upset our local developers but it will save Redlands from becoming a dormitory ghetto of the future. The rot is setting in. There must be action NOW.

M Hardy, Redland City

RCC is hellbent on filling our suburbs. Why?

Many Queenslanders know, the main group who seem to be ’empowered’ by governments are wealthy developers. The State Government needs to start taking responsibility after delegating local governments so much power. A picture tells a thousand words and the recent article from the Gold Coast about the destruction of wild life habitat through mindless development, is so powerful. Very depressing.

Ex Minister Crisafulli shed light on how he saw councils’ collective land ownership as offering an ‘obvious’ solution to the ‘shortage’ of funds. Even forming a State Government Corporation to assist the possibility of land development aspirations of local government under this scheme. Unfortunately, this situation would surely create a conflict of interest for elected representatives who are ideally supposed to remain objective when rezoning or approving developments in Queensland.

Something needs to be done to protect wildlife corridors and wildlife generally in Queensland. Local government has a big role in this, but with the kind of attitude, culture and relationship they have with land developers, and as, land developers, I think we need someone other than local government and its vested interest groups from having so much say over sensitive areas of our State. This is an urgent situation and I am hoping a judicial inquiry could pick up on this important issue.

Excerpts quoting Ex Minister Mr Crisafulli in the Sunshine Coast Daily include

“…He said while councils did not have much hope of outside funding, they did have land which could be used to engage in public-private partnerships….

…”I urge you to look outside the traditional funding arrangements and don’t wait for money to rain down. Take a determined approach to building public sector partnerships.

“The one thing that nearly all councils have in abundance is land.

“Whether it’s regional councils with land to lease for agriculture or a coastal council that aspires to turn a car park into a mixed-use site, the ability to achieve does not just depend on government funding.

“It might be that the State Government can assist through leasing certainty, fast-tracking approvals, or just opening doors in the corporate sector.”

The experience of Logan and Sunshine Coast Councils may well be coming to the Redlands via the Toondah PDA. The mapped sale of local parks also fits the model. I can only plead, wake up Redlands, something bad is happening.

BD, Redlands

Council disregards wishes of residents

This Council never fails to surprise me. I took part in the forming of the Community Reference Group and I certainly don’t remember any discussion about selling environmental land as a way forward to enhance our environment and lifestyle.
The secretive plans for rezoning and sale of 16 parks which are revealed in the Draft City Plan have taken the majority of residents by surprise!

One has to ask what are their motives? Some of the blocks of land have been bought with our environmental levy and I am sure that residents certainly didn’t want the land to be sold probably to developers. And what about the land that was dedicated to conservation by late owners?

I am so disappointed and upset with what I consider blatant disregard by this Council as to the wishes of many of our residents.

J Smith, Wellington Pt.

Will Redlands2030 run candidates for Council elections?

I would be interested in learning which of your members will be running for council at the next election.  This information would be of use in helping to formulate my voting intentions.

J. Kemp, Redland City

 

Letters published by Redlands2030 – 23 October 2015