Making democracy work, reducing pandemic risks and respecting residents’ lifestyle aspirations are discussed in letters to Redlands2030.
If you have something to say, send your letter to: theeditor@redlands2030.net
Transparency and Governance Democracy
A lack of transparency and poor governance conduct at all levels of governments and by all political flavors seems to be a common concern of the electorate across the nation. It is indeed a sad reflection on that wonderful institution called “democracy” – an institution now under considerable pressure that one wonders when the safety value will be automatically enabled.
Part of that change within society is that political parties, over the last 10 to 15 years, have metamorphosed themselves in a “homogenized, vanilla flavored, one size fits all” with little regard for local issues other than the safe standard statements as to roads, schools and the need for more hospital beds.
If someone were to add up the money pledged, since Federation, to be spent on the Bruce Highway, for example, between Brisbane and Cairns, it would now surely be paved in gold bars.
There appears to be no website where one is able to nominate the top five concerns that they have as impacting their individual electorate. Then to see how their top five concerns are ranking with concerns as posted by others within that electorate.
Over 151 electorates what an interesting real-time snapshot we would all have as to the concerns and considerations we are hoping will be addressed by a candidate when we place number 1 (initially) against their name.
Not only would this give us a feel for what others are thinking within our own community but also an opportunity to search on what else is front of mind across the nation.
For example: to be able to travel back to a previous region where one schooled, lived or worked and see what issues are now before that community. Or, to look forward to a new region where one is looking to retire to and gauge community sentiment.
The thoughts of the individual are critical and should be treasured and respected if we are all to make this wonderful institution called “democracy” work and flourish as indeed intended.
R.P.
Cleveland
Density, a pandemic’s best friend
The highest COVID-19 infection numbers are in and around poorly designed inner-city high density, high rise apartment locations.
This should come as no surprise. At its heart, it is a failure of (land use) planning. But don’t expect any apology from the development industry or the planning profession itself.
With so many 20-30-year-olds jamming into coffee shops, corridors, common areas, and even elevators close contact is inevitable.
Density is the best friend of pandemics! We need to plan now for what might lie ahead which could be more virulent and more varieties of viruses that might drive a pandemic.
I sense we’ve learned nothing as we blindly continue to grow and grow and provide butt-ugly inner-city high-density accommodation.
Planning Ministers have and are either failing or being misled.
R.H.
Redlands
People value their lifestyle
It’s interesting to see the article saying that yet another film featuring Bryan Brown will be filmed on Stradbroke Island.
I am not surprised as the environment of Straddie is unique and must be preserved. The people who live there value the lifestyle which is part of their way of life.
Traffic congestion is an added issue that will impact the whole region, particularly Cleveland and Stradbroke.
It is amazing to see Cleveland residents having to fight to maintain their environment. Yet the voices of local and State governments are mute. Why is the Toondah mega real estate scam even contemplated?
Please, someone, please explain this to me.
J.F.
Kenmore
More Letters to Redlands2030
Cleveland traffic, ‘religious instruction’ and Toondah in letters
Koalas, Donations And Toondah Harbour In Letters To Redlands2030
Toondah Questions in letters to Redlands2030
Redlands2030 – 5 February 2022
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One Comment
It’s a pity that non-partisan community groups like Redlands 2030 can’t rely on their elected Council to build two-way dialogue into their decision-making. Community groups tend to have a keen conception of the public interest, and this stands in contrast to the more narrow interest of development applicants who always seem to have the ear of elected councils.
In the past couple of years, we have seen local governments in Ipswich, Moreton Bay and Logan in the crosshairs of the Department of Local Government for untoward dealings related to property and development approvals. There would seem to be a need for every candidate for election to a council, and every Councillor after election, to be put through a training course in ethics to remind them that one of their top priorities is to defend the public interest against overbearing private interest.