When Redland City residents go to the polls for the federal election, they will also have the opportunity to make a real contribution to the future of their City.
A referendum will be held in conjunction with the Federal Government election. Redlanders and other Australians will have the opportunity to ensure local government – the tier of government closest to the people – is recognised in the Australian Constitution.
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You can achieve this – and protect Federal Government funding paid direct to local government – by voting “YES” in the referendum.
While Constitutional amendments can be confusing, there are simple and straight forward reasons why this important change needs your support.
- The recognition of local government in the Constitution will secure current funding Redland City Council receives directly from the Australian Government
- Redland City Council currently receives approximately $1.5m of funding directly from the Commonwealth each year
- Current funding includes programs such as the Federal Roads to Recovery, black spot road safety programs, the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, and the Local Government Reform Fund
- While these funding arrangements have existed for many years, recent High Court rulings have made it clear that they are actually unconstitutional, putting them at risk.
- A YES vote will secure the future of this and other funding councils receive directly from the Federal Government – funding which goes directly to community infrastructure
- If funding from the Federal Government is provided to the State Government to pass on rather than direct to councils, funding decisions for local areas will be made by a political party (whichever holds State Government at the time), not local councils who are at the grassroots of communities and know their needs.
- The Queensland Government takes approximately 15% in administration fees when passing on funding.
Redlands projects that have been funded directly from the Australian Government in recent years include:
- Upgrade of Wellington Point Reserve (Park)
- Upgrade of Capalaba Regional Park (Park)
- Victoria Point Reserve (Park)
- Cleveland Point Reserve (Park)
- Fitness Activity Stations in Four Redlands Park (launched at Oyster Point Park, Cleveland) (Park)
- Russell Island Sport and Recreation Park (Sports fields and courts and Sport and Resilience Hub)
- Point Lookout Hall (Community Centre)
- North Stradbroke Island Gorge Walk (Pathway)
- Road projects:
- Russell Street, Cleveland, Smith Street – Wellington Street
- Shore Street North, Cleveland, Paxton Street to William Street
- Old Cleveland Road East, Birkdale, Birkdale Road to Barron Road
- Link Road, Victoria Point, Benfer Road to Colburn Avenue
- Fullerton Street, Birkdale, Valentine Road to Randall Road
Message from LGAQ (Local Government Association of Queensland) President Cr Margaret de Wit
The video contains a simple, concise message that encapsulates the key messages of the referendum campaign – the ultimate focus being on gaining funding certainty for our communities.
