Letters published this week discuss COVID-19 and its impact on changing the lifestyle of Redlands, the long term impacts on the Toondah PDA, and even the empty buses of Brisbane.
One writer, reflected on the absence of Toondah propaganda in the electoral material of candidates that have consistently supported Walker Group’s environmentally destructive plans for residential development in Moreton Bay, next to Toondah Harbour.
We publish diverse community views on the topical, mundane and quirky aspects of living in the Redlands.
If you have something to say, email your letter to theeditor@Redlands2030.net
Enough of the social slow down
G.J. Walter Park on the shores of Moreton Bay
I’ve really enjoyed the past few weeks at home, in isolation, in my own house and garden.
But the prospect that this will continue for another 2-3 months or more isn’t really good news … even for me!
I love the peace and quiet of own home and I like my own company. But if I dread many more weeks of the same and really no end in sight. I want to go for a coffee or a walk or visit G.J. Walter Park (while it is still there).
I fear many people, will be much harder hit by this enforced slowdown than I, impacting on their lives and a forcing a major change to the way of life of Redlanders.
E.B.
Cleveland
Enough of the COVID-19
Plan for high density residential development next to Toondah Harbour
It should come as no surprise that many of the densely populated areas of the world are the epicentres of the Covid-19 virus – Wuhan, Italy, Spain, London, and New York. This is where disease spreads quickest.
Let’s hope that the Queensland State Government comes to its senses before approving the Walker Proposal for the Toondah Harbour Priority Development Area (PDA) that currently proposes 3,600 unnecessary dwellings on 64 hectares in Moreton Bay.
This equates to a likely population density of up to 200 people per hectare in the PDA. This compares to the current population density of Cleveland of only 13.25 people per hectare.
Isn’t it reasonable that any planning for the PDA should explain how a future pandemic might be managed in such a tight area?
The old excuse was “it can’t happen here” but this no longer holds water….it has, it can and sadly it will (again).
B.J.
Cleveland
GHOST BUSES!
As I traveled to my home last Friday morning, 7-05 to 7-15 am, I saw about 50 outbound buses along the very busy transport corridor from the Klump Rd MI exit onto Mains, Pinelands and Calam Roads.
Those buses were either empty or almost empty, a massive change in occupancy from more normal times. Equally, there were very few patrons waiting at bus stops, during what is normally a very hectic time.
Since the Lord Mayor announced “free” or unmetered on-street parking in the City, and school student attendance diminished to but few at some schools, people are suddenly driving their cars to work instead of taking the bus. I may be wrong but I think that is to reduce the chances of pathogen transmission.
The most common BCC bus has a floor surface area of less than 30 sq m, and it is a still air controlled environment. Officially, buses have a seating capacity of 43, that’s a density of more than one person per sq m! This makes the recommended of one person per 4 sqm look like a joke. On top of the overcrowding there is an extraordinary number of rails, holding straps, shelves, seat edges, constantly touched /grabbed/ held by passengers. I am really concerned the buses are corona friendly!
Translink, schedule the services, BCC are responsible for other details. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to realise the flow-on effect of wasting the buses (and drivers) in this manner. The hourly running costs and wages of needless servicing of a locked-down, stay-at-home community is something we can do without.
Clearly, most of the buses now on the road are not needed especially during peak hour. These buses need to be taken off the road now.
PS Dear Editor, I live in Brisbane City and read your web site regularly. I have tried to put my concerns to local media with no take-up. I am sure your audience extends beyond Redland City and that many other Brisbanites read your pages and see your analysis of issues. My hope is that you will print my letter, so others in Brisbane might think about echoing my concerns.
Toondah wasn’t an election issue for all!
The council election is almost done. While I had hoped for a new council the result is a minor adjustment. In Toondah terms the loss of Cr Murray Elliott doesn’t change much he supported the mega a development. Perhaps his successor, reported as a “young mother” will show a more caring attitude to the future her children will inherit.
There should be no measure of pro-Toondah cheering when neither the Mayor, Karen Williams nor Division 2’s Peter Mitchell campaigned on the basis of the biggest development ever seen in the Redlands. They carefully avoided mentioning Toondah in the last flurry of letterboxing before the vote.
I think there should be an open inquiry into the many questions about the PDA and the deal that is still hidden from the public.
SF
Thornlands
Editor’s comment: Queensland residents can sign a petition to State Parliament calling for an inquiry into the Toondah Project.
More letters to Redlands2030
Toondah artists impressions outrage residents
Toondah a risk to Australia’s reputation
Redlands2030 – 9 April 2020
Please note: Offensive or off-topic comments will be deleted. If offended by any published comment please email thereporter@redlands2030.net
One Comment
Comments on Facebook have been quite illuminating since the election with one post declaring that it didn’t matter that some ECQ officials were directing people to just vote 1 as it didn’t skew the vote to any great extent as the official didn’t know who the vote was going to. He’d missed the point, I think, in especially the mayoral race. Two candidates, Richardson (who is neck and neck with Williams), and Curtin clearly wanted major development changes; for Williams, it was just business as usual. Combining Curtin’s and Richardson’s vote, the people clearly want change. Preferences, in this case, will play a vital role. The ECQ officials behaviour is therefore hugely concerning.