Who is responsible for development in the Redlands?

I’ve always prided myself on being open, honest and transparent with the electors of Redlands.  All candidates for council should do the same.

The "blame game" about Redlands housing developments is a recurring political tool that seems to conveniently become heated at election time, with the opposition never offering realistic solutions to undeniable growth.

No Mayor or council can stop growth and it is irresponsible to suggest otherwise.   

I encourage you to understand the bigger picture, and have prepared a blog with attached fact sheets (accessible here) to explain in more detail about planning and development.

Please share the facts with your friends who have concerns about development.

Toondah agreement to to deliver $116m in community infrastructure

The Redlands will benefit from nearly $116m worth of community improvements under an infrastructure agreement for the $1.4 billion Toondah Harbour project.

A wide range of community infrastructure would be provided to the City at no cost to ratepayers as part of the agreement with the Walker Corporation.

Key infrastructure to be provided under the agreement includes:

• Complete upgrade of the marine channel and swing basin;
• New ferry terminal, ticketing and information facilities;
• A minimum of 1449 car parks, an increase of 71 per cent;
• Bus interchange;
• Waterfront plaza;
• Boardwalks;
• Improvements to GJ Walter park plus new foreshore parks and a water play area;
• Boat and watercraft launching facilities;
• Open space and wildlife corridors;
• Road and cycleway upgrades; and
• Sewerage, storm water and trunk water upgrades.

Who is responsible for which road - State or Council?

There still appears to be widespread confusion so I've included a map that I have published several times before, clearly showing where the responsibility lies.

All roads marked in yellow on the map are controlled by the State government and are ultimately their responsibility. All other roads are the responsibility of the Redland City Council.

As neither political side of the State government has yet to fix the bottlenecks on their roads, I'm pleased to report that I've developed a Redland City Council solution that may give us the opportunity to address traffic congestion on these roads.  

I am the only mayoral candidate to propose and put forward a solution.

You can find more info about that solution here.

Redlands welcomes our newest college

The Australian Industry Trade College has 80 students signed up at the new Toondah Harbour campus. This is a new and exciting education opportunity for young people and industry in the Redlands.  I am pleased to have played a major role in attracting it to our City.  You can find out more about the college here.

"Leadership takes people on a journey to a better place. It requires, vision, intelligence and courage and Karen has displayed all of these qualities in spades in our interactions with her as the Mayor of the City.  I look forward to joining Karen and the Redlands community in their desire to improve opportunities and benefits for everyone.

Mark Hands (CEO - Australian Industry Trade College)"

Redland Sporting Assist Program

As a Director of the Redland Foundation and in partnership with Cr Paul Gleeson (Division 9 - Capalaba), the Redland Foundation is proud to bring to you the Redland Sporting Assist Program.  This program is a funding opportunity to help low income families of Redland children aged 10 - 14 with financial assistance to participate in sports.

Please share with anyone you feel would benefit from the program.

Thank you!

Thank you for your support during the last four years.

With almost a month gone in 2016, we now have less than eight weeks to go before the next Council election on 19 March.

I encourage you to continue to ask questions of all candidates, including getting them to provide factual information to support their statements, and not just accept some of rhetoric being bandied about.

As always, if you need to know more or want to stay informed on Council news and what's happening in the Redlands visit my Website, Facebook or Twitter pages.  Please don't hesitate to contact me directly if you ever have any questions or concerns, and feel free to pass on this information to anyone else who has an interest in the Redlands.

This newsletter was prepared and paid for by myself and no ratepayers funds were utilised in its production.