Claire Richardson will run for state seat of Oodgeroo

Popular local independent Claire Richardson has today announced she will contest the seat of Oodgeroo as a candidate in the Queensland election on 31 October.

Richardson won 54 % of the two-party preferred vote for Redland Mayor in the suburbs making up Oodgeroo in the recent local government elections. These include Cleveland, Ormiston, Wellington Point, Birkdale and North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).  She will campaign to bring new energy to the electorate.

“With the numbers between the two major parties so close in the Parliament I hope to work with other independents to bring greater accountability and better outcomes for our community.

“My goal is to bring new energy to protect our environment and way of life and to put in place a plan to generate local jobs to support our businesses and their employees.

“At a time when many politicians are held in such low esteem, I want to offer the community a fresh, leadership approach. I would champion job creation in Redlands, support a transition to renewable energy both locally and throughout Queensland, and encourage appropriate new developments that support our community and provide local employment and training. We need to invest now in sustainable growth and development to set up our economy for the future.

“People love living in the Redlands with its special coastal environment. Strong leadership is necessary to protect and enhance this unique lifestyle – Redlands Coast not Gold Coast is my motto.” Claire continued. “As an independent MP I will work co-operatively with whichever party wins the election to achieve those things that Redlands has missed out on while your local MP has been in opposition for the last 11 years.

“Both major parties have abandoned the community by supporting the massive $1.3 billion Toondah Harbour development, which will build 3,600 apartment units in the protected waters of Moreton Bay Marine park.  I am opposed to such inappropriate development but, like most residents, support an upgrade to the water transport terminal. I will be a strong voice to protect the community and if elected will advocate for better community consultation and ensure our birds, koalas and marine environment are protected.

“I have followed with great interest the Covid-19 response at State and Federal level and acknowledge the significant sacrifices so many of our community have made. As I scientist, I will support the development and implementation of effective Covid-19 strategies based on evidence and research, not rhetoric, as our knowledge and understanding of this threat to our economic and social wellbeing continues to evolve. Unlike the LNP I will fight to keep Queensland borders closed until it is safe to open them.

 “Having built a business and employed dozens of people over many years I understand the pressure on business and will work to help our local businesses survive this difficult time and bounce back as strongly as possible.

“I have lived locally for 16 years and am passionate about being a strong representative that listens to local concerns and acts on them,” Richardson said.

Successful engineer and business operator

Claire is a successful businesswoman who founded a highly respected Capalaba based scientific and engineering consultancy 22 years ago. Her expert advice is sought throughout Australia and internationally, including to many of the largest infrastructure developments.

Claire received a PhD from the Department of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, and has a BSc(Hons), graduate diplomas in the fields of air quality and acoustics as well as a graduate diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She was a State finalist for Telstra Businesswoman of the Year – Business Owner and Innovation categories.

She is married to husband Mark and has three children aged 20, 18 and 13.

More information about Claire Richardson

More information about Claire Richardson’s campaign for Oodgeroo can be obtained from her Vote4Claire Facebook page and website.

The state seat of Oodgeroo

The state seat of Oodgeroo is currently held by Dr Mark Robinson for the LNP.

Oodgeroo includes North Stradbroke island (Minjerribah) plus mainland suburbs of Cleveland, Ormiston, Wellington Point and Birkdale.

Cover photo of Claire Richardson and supporters

Redlands2030 – 11 August 2020