Promo cast photo: more information on our group The South Devon Players theatre company, from Brixham: http://southdevonplayers.weebly.com - please include a link to our website in any re-use, thanks.

Common Ground

Promo cast photo: more information on our group The South Devon Players theatre company, from Brixham: http://southdevonplayers.weebly.com - please include a link to our website in any re-use, thanks.

Common ground!

The Raby Bay Ratepayers’ Association and Redlands2030 will work together in seeking improved performance from the Redland City Council. This agreement followed a presentation by Redlands2030 to a recent meeting of the Raby Bay Ratepayers’ Association.

It was clear that the two groups have many issues in common including:

  • Slow, untimely (or never) released technical reports
  • Untimely and slow responses to correspondence
  • Restricted and limited community consultation processes (tick and flick)
  • Lack of accountability
  • Lack of transparency in decision making.

The recent Council debate on the budget was a case in point.  The divisive and dismissive debate effectively neutered the voice of some Councillors. The Council’s spin included misleading statements about “headline” increases, compared to dollar increases and percentage increases.  The meeting agreed that the construction of the Redlands City “blended CPI” rate increase was deliberately concocted to hide the outcome from public scrutiny.  Both the Raby Bay Ratepayers’ Association and the Redlands2030 network expect better from Council.

Both groups have issues with Council

Both the Groups acknowledged that they have different opinions on specific issues.  But the organisations are united on ensuring better governance in our City.  It was agreed the two groups would liaise and work together to hold the Council accountable for improved performance; value for money and transparency of decision making.

The Raby Bay Ratepayers’ Association will contribute articles to Redlands2030 that explain a number of issues to the broader community.

The Association is also recommending that its members subscribe to the Redlands2030 newsletter, contribute to the on-line issues raised on the Redlands2030.net website and share Redlands2030 Facebook  and Twitter posts.

Both groups agree that the Redlands 2030 Community Plan is a common platform for “effective communication”, “becoming an informed community”, and “paving our way towards a common goal”.  It is a plan for better governance and more effective decision making.

On Notice

Wheres the refund?

More ratepayers does not  mean lower rates

Spokespersons for both groups agreed that the two organisations could work together on issues like City Plan 2015, the Priority Development Areas and the Economic Development Strategy.  All these issues touch on the need to fund and repair infrastructure for existing and emerging communities.

Proponents for new housing developments are often heard to claim that the community will benefit from “broadening the rate base”. It needs to be explained that it is not the experience of Redland City or other Councils across Australia.  Rates tend to increase at a higher rate than population because existing ratepayers have to fund most of the infrastructure required for new dwellings.  The community expects Council to provide proper and transparent analysis of such fundamental questions.

Council is on notice that community groups in the Redlands are working together to insist on improved performance from our City Council.

Please note: Offensive or off-topic comments will be deleted. If offended by any published comment please email thereporter@redlands2030.net

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.