Redlands2030 has been fighting long and hard to find out what’s in the secret $1.4 billion Toondah Harbour development deal that Redland City Council has committed to with the Walker Group.
$5,000 needed to help reveal the Toondah deal
Today I am writing to you and other supporters because we need your help to continue. We are launching the Reveal the Toondah Deal fundraising campaign – see below on ways you can DONATE – to help offset upcoming legal costs as we argue the community’s right to information in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
You may recall that in 2017 Redland City Council decided to withhold from the public the development agreement it had signed with the Walker Group – and that Redlands2030 successfully appealed to the State Government’s own Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) who agreed the public had an overriding right to know.
But before the documents were released, the Walker Group and the State Minister for Economic Development lodged appeals against the OIC’s decision.
The appeal is now being heard by QCAT.
Until now, Redlands2030 has represented itself at hearings and used its modest funds to cover costs. Like most community organisations, we run on a thin margin of donations and fundraising events. However, on advice and with the help of the Environmental Defenders’ Office (EDO), we now need legal representation – and that means dollars – to give us the best chance against heavy-hitting corporate and state legal teams.
Hence the Reveal the Toondah Deal fundraising campaign.
Reveal the Toondah deal is a David v. Goliath battle
We know it’s a David and Goliath battle, but we believe the right to know is fundamental to our democratic system. It’s an essential tool of media and community organisations trying to hold government accountable.
Can you help continue the fight? We want to raise at least $5,000 in the Reveal the Toondah Deal fundraising campaign to offset legal costs. Whatever you can contribute will be gratefully accepted.
Right to Know
Our efforts support the recent “Right to Know” campaign by Australia’s media. They believe the community has a right to know about the conduct of those in power, with transparency and accountability critical to a free and functional society. Their tagline is “When government keeps the truth from you, what are they covering up?” We couldn’t agree more.
Yours sincerely
Stephen MacDonald
President – Redlands2030
Make a donation to help reveal the Toondah deal
Donations can be made by PayPal, direct bank deposit or old fashioned cheques.
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Paypal/Card: |
Direct bank deposit: NAME : Redlands2030 Inc. BSB : 633000 ACCOUNT : 154281802 |
Cheque: NAME : Redlands2030 Inc. Mail to: 104 Channel St, Cleveland 4163 |
Thanks to those people who have already supported this campaign.
Redlands2030 – 18 January 2020
Please note: Offensive or off-topic comments will be deleted. If offended by any published comment please email thereporter@redlands2030.net
One Comment
Are you aware of these grants?
https://parksaustralia.gov.au/marine/management/partnerships/our-marine-parks-grants/
Parks Australia is implementing seven programs to manage marine parks. Each management program includes national actions and regional actions.
The seven management programs are:
Communication, education and awareness program
Actions that improve awareness, understanding and support for marine parks and park management.
Tourism and visitor experience program
Actions that provide for and promote a range of environmentally appropriate, high-quality recreation and tourism experiences and contribute to Australia’s visitor economy.
Indigenous engagement program
Actions that recognise and respect the ongoing cultural responsibilities of Indigenous people to care for sea country and support multiple benefits for traditional owners.
Marine science program
Actions to provide necessary scientific knowledge and understanding of marine park values, pressures, and adequacy of responses for effective management.
Assessments and authorisations program
Actions that provide for efficient, effective, transparent and accountable assessment, authorisation and monitoring processes to support sustainable use and protection of marine park values.
Park protection and management program
Timely and appropriate preventative and restorative actions to protect natural, cultural and heritage values from impacts.
Compliance program
Actions that ensure appropriate and high levels of compliance by marine parks users with the rules set out in this plan.