Housing strategy, wetlands and wildlife – in letters to Redlands2030

Proposed apartments in Middle Street Cleveland

A love affair with Cleveland’s wildlife and history, Gardening Australia’s recent story about protecting Ramsar wetlands and the State Government’s takeover of Redland City’s housing strategy are discussed in letters to Redlands2030.

Details of a forum on 15 October to discuss important community planning issues are included also.

If you have something to say email your letter to theeditor@redlands2030.net

Keep Cleveland a place to enjoy

I have a love for the Redlands especially Cleveland which goes back to 1967 on my first visit to Cleveland. I always adored it, as my paradise on earth.

I have now been residing for over 25 years here and still love the nature of the wildlife, in and outside the Bay, the history, and so much more.

I can’t believe that the Council is not interested in doing more for what Cleveland is meant to be, to enjoy and protect nature and wildlife.

I know the Council will charge residents for removing some trees or even branches, but they are willing to remove some nature and protected species on a big scale.

I would like to find out why the Council is not interested in the history and preserve some of it instead of doing things we don’t want and don’t need, MORE TRAFFIC and more housing like in a big city.

We will not enjoy our Cleveland anymore if they refuse to listen to the people who care for Cleveland.

K.T.
Cleveland

---

Ramsar wetlands in Manduah and Toondah

Gardening Australia’s episode on 16 September was really enlightening, as Costa (Costa Georgiadis) took us through the wetlands in Mandurah,  Western Australia, explaining just how important they are for us all.

This is a Ramsar wetland on the other side of Australia The management and information given to the viewer highlighted the value of wetlands for keeping the water clean while preventing erosion and the ecological balance, which is vital for a healthy environment.

Added to this, we saw how migratory birds who can fly 10,000 kilometres are supported when they arrive at the wetlands, getting their energy up for a return flight. While Migratory birds are in decline, it is vital that wetlands are maintained to help support these birds.

It seems unbelievable that when we went to the Welcome Back Shorebirds event in Cleveland on Saturday, this Ramsar-protected wetland is still facing the biggest threat of all, a developer proposing to build 3,600 units in Moreton Bay. How can this happen?

Moreton Bay is recognised by the Ramsar Convention as being worthy of protection. It has sheltered waterways and a diversity of wildlife that is currently in decline. The Toondah development will only make it so much worse. 

J.F.
Kenmore 

---

Redlands housing strategy

It seems that Planning Minister, Steven Miles is going to dictate a new housing strategy for Redland City. The goal is more and cheaper housing which is code for smaller lots and higher density living areas.

A contrasting view is espoused by Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) and they are running a campaign Let’s Rethink Big Australia which includes a plan for Australia’s population to grow less slowly and eventually stop. A recent letter by the President of SPA (Edward Smith) makes (in part) the following argument.

The Commonwealth Government’s plan is, effectively, for population growth without end. It is not a left-right ALP-LNP thing, their position is exactly the same: high population growth annoys the public but pleases business so they make noises for the public about population but then give businesses the policy settings it wants (high skilled and temporary migration in particular) while trying to never talk about it.

The Commonwealth wants net migration at 235,000 a year whereas SPA is campaigning for 60,000 a year. Ross Garnaut’s suggestion is effectively 130,000 a year. 

In all a population that grows by an additional 175,000 a year means about an additional 70,000 dwellings have to be built a year. This is a costly task in terms of housing but equally in terms of infrastructure, which is a cost to governments of possible $100,000 per household. the result is booming public debt. Unsurprisingly the Property Council loves population growth, but Governments (at all levels) should know better and should be putting a greater weight on the views, well-being and needs of the existing population.

Let us hope the Minister’s new Strategy is not a cover for the mega Toondah development, which has clearly been rejected by Redlanders and would do nothing for housing affordability or sustainability!

S.M.
Cleveland

---

Planning for the community in SEQ

Southeast Queensland is booming. Interstate migration is at its highest level in almost 20 years and the 2032 Olympics is looming. But what does this mean for our cities, our housing, our infrastructure and our beautiful green spaces?

Ahead of the Government’s recently announced Housing Summit, help us to explore important community planning issues and ensure the community’s voice is heard.

Join us at a one-day community forum on Saturday 15 October 2022 at the Southbank campus of Griffith University for a packed program with knowledgeable and community minded speakers and opportunities to ask your questions and raise your concerns.

This event is organised by an alliance of community groups including Redlands2030.

The admission price is only $10.00 (less if you book online). Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Orange Sky Laundry, providing practical assistance to people who happen to be homeless.

---

More Letters To Redlands2030

If you have a view on these or any other matters, send your letter to:  theeditor@redlands2030.net

Recent letters include:

Disgraced Mayor And Whitewater Fiasco

The Mayor’s Crash, Council Prayers And Toondah Media Coverage

Native Title, nature based tourism and the election for Bowman

Redlands2030 – 20 September 2022