Letters to the Editor – 5 May 2023
Questions about Redland City Council’s spending, Mayor Eddie Santagiuliana remembered, community engagement about aircraft noise and the importance of voting are discussed in letters to the editor.
Council expenditure questioned
Like most people, I am keen to see my rates go to Council expenditure that represents meaningful value for ratepayers.
I noticed on reviewing Council financials, that spending on consultants rose from $2.8M in 2021 to $5.9M this financial year … a whopping 110% increase in 2 years!
Why are we spending $6 million p.a on consultants when Council employs over 1,000 staff, on a salary budget of $102 Million p.a?
Surely a major workforce of this scale should be able to fulfil Council’s capability requirements.
Is Council biting off more than it can chew to accommodate the ‘high roller’ project and ambitions of its leadership?
M.D.
Mt. Cotton
Mayor Eddie Santagiuliana
Thank you P.H. for your letter to the editor (23 March 2023), expressing admiration and respect for the late Redlands Mayor Eddie Santagiuliana (Mayor Eddie and the community).
It was heartening to hear of a leader who was able to unite the community and inspire a sense of belonging and pride among its citizens.
It is clear that Mayor Santagiuliana’s leadership style and commitment to the Redlands community had a profound impact on those who knew him.
It is a testament to his legacy that almost 4,000 people turned out for his funeral, and that his memory is still cherished by many.
It is unfortunate that we often don’t appreciate great leaders until they are gone. However, we can learn from their example and strive to emulate their qualities and values.
Thank you for sharing the thoughts and memories of Mayor Santagiuliana. It is a reminder of the power of community spirit and the positive impact that true leadership can have.
D.S.
Cleveland
Have your say about aircraft noise
I have received an update from Engage Airservices on the aircraft Noise Action Plan for Brisbane.
I think all Redland residents and Straddie residents should read this update and provide feedback as we are all heavily impacted by unacceptable noise from aircraft flying too close to our residential communities. I also read with some interest your post from February titled ” Disturbing The Peace – Aircraft Noise Over The Redlands”.
Please visit Engage Airservices Brisbane PIR Engage page for more information and share this information and link with as many Redlanders as possible.
If Redlanders do not like the proposals, then they can submit feedback on the above page.
A.H.
Redlands
Do nothing and nothing changes
Almost halfway through 2023 and the fun and games in our shire continue.
No doubt everyone is aware that Council elections are looming, so I urge all to get out and join the debates and make sure to vote… lest you want things to stay the same with a another term of failed administration.
Elections are the only opportunity for you to have your say.
Obviously the first task in hand is to get rid of Karen Williams and there are a few good candidates up to replace her. Her cronies also need to be put on notice.
That being said, this notice is to alert you to a massive class action being taken against QSuper (Qld Govt) for failing to notify clients about fee increases on their accounts. It could be a very interesting precedent considering our rates bills and valuations that seem to rise without notice or if we do get notice its usually after the fact?
Do your due diligence and check your Council bills and most importantly, get out and vote.
People are doing it tough out on main street so we need to make sure that we are getting value for our money.
Too much skullduggery has been going on in Council (e.g. Toondah Harbour, Birkdale Community Precinct) so remember the old adage, do nothing and nothing changes.
D.T.
Wellington Point
More letters to the Editor
Wildlife Attacked In Thornlands, Toondah On The ABC And Local News Coverage Missed – In Letters
Koala trees, whitewater resilience training and local news in letters
Redland City Bulletin Closure, White Water Waste And Magical Mangroves
The Editor
Redlands2030 – 5 May 2023
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