Council’s advocacy priorities set for state election campaign

Redland City Council has adopted a list of its top 10 priorities to send to all candidates and political parties contesting the 2024 Queensland state election.

On behalf of the Redlands Coast community, Council will use the endorsed list to advocate to candidates ahead of the 26 October poll, requesting their support for much-needed infrastructure, community projects and for solutions to issues affecting the city.

Mayor Jos Mitchell said a key component of serving the community was the development of strong relationships with other levels of government, particularly the State Government.

“Council will work collaboratively with the state government and successful Members of Parliament after the October election with the aim of progressing these identified projects to the benefit of the community,” she said.

The 10 priorities, not in any particular order of importance, and some of the advocacy within those priorities are as follows:

Weinam Creek transport connectivity. Council is advocating for comprehensive funding for a multi-level Park ‘n’ Ride within the Weinam Creek PDA. Public transport infrastructure is a State Government responsibility and Council believes improved connectivity between the mainland and Southern Moreton Bay Islands will have multiple benefits.Brisbane Metro network extension. In collaboration with Brisbane City Council, Council will push for the state to deliver a business case and detailed designs for the next stage of the busway extension from Coorparoo to Capalaba.Redland Coast islands. Council is advocating for regional status recognition for Redlands Coast islands in relation to state and federal planning and funding. Council believes a partnered approach is required to address several challenges that face these communities.Toondah Harbour. With one million passengers and 200,000 vehicles using Toondah Harbour at Cleveland each year, Council is pushing for a detailed plan and funding to upgrade port infrastructure from State and Federal governments.Housing for vulnerable communities. Council is advocating for an increase in immediate and long-term emergency and crisis accommodation for vulnerable cohorts, in particular for Redlands Coast youth.Improved clarity for Native Title process. The aim is to remove uncertainty and provide greater clarity for all to participate in Native Title processes. This includes additional State involvement in determining where Native Title has been extinguished in response to all claims.Wellington Street / Panorama Drive upgrades. Advocate for $80 million in funding to concurrently deliver stages two and three of the upgrade program.Community residence. Review the current provisions for “community residence” in the Planning Regulation 2017 to consider the amenity of existing community and local planning overlays, because the current state planning laws are overriding local planning.Increased utilisation of state-owned facilities. Council is advocating for a Strategic Partnership Commitment from the state to work in partnership to address critical sporting infrastructure deficits by investing in and unlocking state-owned land and recreation facilities, to build capacity for sporting clubs and organisations to increase participation.Local health services maintained in line with population growth. Pushing for a commitment that adequate health services, which is a State Government service provision, be provided and/or maintained on Redlands Coast in line with substantial population growth.

The Mayor said Council’s advocacy program was constantly evolving according to the priorities of the community and Council.

“Many of the priorities we approved at our July general meeting are already in motion in one way or another such as through Council’s operational plan, or for example, in resolutions to the Local Government Association of Queensland annual conference,” she said.

“But they also need to be in front of all candidates and parties during the state election campaign.”