Lack of a footpath in Ormiston and inadequate security at the Weinam Creek car parks are discussed in letters to Redlands2030. Other letters discuss the proposed Redlands whitewater centre and a local councillor’s refusal to speak at a community forum.
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Why no footpath for Francis Street in Ormiston?
When anyone exits Hilliard’s Creek reserve you are on Francis Street, there is no footpath and visibility is poor.
Lots of kids on bikes and pedestrians use Francis Street. Council said it does not meet their criteria for a footpath.
I am 88. Last year I came within about a foot of being cleaned up by a fast-moving car. The Council’s response to representations for a footpath, in the interests of pedestrian safety, were once again rejected.
If I had been killed or seriously injured, would that have satisfied the criteria for a footpath?
Robert Webb
Ormiston
The Whitewater Elephant rears its head
Redlands Ratepayers, if it doesn’t grate enough to know that our councillors are up for yet another pay rise, it should make your blood boil to see the ugly head of the Birkdale Whitewater elephant rear up again.
The actual numbers are unknown. All we get is the “project report is completed” yet none of us know what is in it apart from the inner circle.
Originally estimated to cost $100 million it’s sure to increase perhaps double or even triple once all the hangers on and consultants clip the ticket. Talk about secret council business and who is supposed to pay to maintain the place once after the short glory of the Olympics is gone? The answer of course is we the ratepayers.
Here are some sobering facts that I would bet have not been thought through. How will Olympic tourists get to and from the venue? Who is to pay for the new roads and parking near Jones Road? The completion date is projected to be 2030 but where will they find the contractors and workers if Brisbane is overloaded with Olympic building deadlines?
The fact is the government will have to import people which will create a massive accommodation and inflation problem and it gets even better if you are a home owner, your property value and rates should sky rocket nicely enough to make the Redlands unaffordable to anyone but the rich.
The whole project is a sham. We should save our money for important things like new roads, hospitals and parking.
J.B
Ormiston
Council portfolio spokespersons should speak to the community
When I read the response by Cr McKenzie to a town hall invitation I was puzzled by her stand given that it wasn’t long ago she had proudly accepted the role of Council’s Portfolio spokesperson for planning. But when the chance arose for her to speak to perhaps the City’s largest public forum for such issues the Councillor didn’t just refuse her invitation but came out attacking her erstwhile hosts.
I have been busy but mulled over the turn of events up to Christmas and and I have a few comments:
1. As a local politician who is paid a high salary and perks to represent and engage with constituents in her ward she should display a thicker hide. It comes with the job description!
2. The idea that as a RCC representative she won’t attend due to the critical and activist nature of Redlands2030 sounds distinctively Trumpian. Silence the critics by refusing their engagement. Way to go Councillor!
3. What a low calibre mob most of these councillors are. They can’t even energise the CBD in Cleveland much less the rest of the LGA as evidenced by the vacant commercial spaces. Oh, and the raging success of their Eat Street that fizzled in record time is a good example of their lack of foresight, judgement and commercial acumen. I could go on…..
Finally, hats off to any organisation including this one (Redlands2030) for having the temerity to question those allegedly making decisions in the best interests of our community and the environment. Council’s arrogance, lack of transparency and secrecy should be a concern to all.
T.C.
Cleveland
Security Patrols at Weinam Creek, Redland Bay Marina
The Weinam Creek PDA was negotiated in 2013 and approved in 2014. More than ten years on, Redland City Council has still failed to properly address parking and vehicle security at the Redland Bay Marina. Islanders warned this would happen. We were ignored.
Council has a clear duty of care to residents and ratepayers, yet Southern Moreton Bay Island residents continue to face theft, vandalism and loss of mobility. Our vehicles are essential for work, medical access and daily life.
Repeated break-ins, thefts and burn-outs have made parking at the marina stressful and unsafe.
Friends and family now avoid visiting the islands altogether due to limited parking & risks involved, which leads SMBI residents isolated which is a discussion for another day.
Islanders fought hard for funding for CCTV cameras, yet there is no transparency about whether they are operating or monitored. If they are, why are offenders not being identified?
Council has protected parking for car-share vehicles, while islanders—elderly, disabled, pregnant or unwell—are left walking long distances or missing out entirely.
Professional security patrols are available at modest cost, but Council authorisation is required. It is time for Council to fund and implement regular security patrols and provide transparency on CCTV. Islanders have waited long enough.
I attempted to contact local member/s, back but to date, have not had any response.
R.B.
SMBI
More letters to Redlands2030
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Local news and the non-dismissal of Redland City Council – letters
Willard Farm: A contract for $5,066,985 has been awarded by Redland City Council to Baroque Group Pty Ltd for Willard’s Farm restoration
Hard to imagine what the rest of the theme park (not part of the Olympic Course) will cost.