Redland City Councillors have challenged Federal election candidates to put Redlands Coast first and join the fight to fast-track priority projects.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams urged all candidates for the Redlands Coast-based seat of Bowman to support an advocacy document prepared by Council in the lead-up to the 2019 Federal election.
“After speaking to the people, Council has prepared a list of projects Redlands Coast residents see as their priorities for future investment by government,” she said.
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“We are asking all candidates for Bowman and their political parties for support to deliver essential infrastructure and services.
“We will publish their responses on our website, which may assist people as they prepare to go to the polls.
“Redlands Coast needs strong representation in the upcoming Federal election and we are seeking firm commitments to priority projects from candidates and asking them to lobby for funding for priority projects.
“Supporting our advocacy will prove candidates’ commitment to working with Council to deliver for our community.”
Priority projects in the advocacy document include:
- Council acquiring the strategically important Commonwealth land at Birkdale;
- improved mobile and internet connectivity across the city;
- immediate investment in major transport infrastructure;
- improved funding for Redlands Hospital;
- establishment of tele-health or e-health services on Redlands Coast islands;
- funding for the SLSQ Centre of Excellence;
- assistance in growing the local economy;
- attracting a university or other tertiary education facility;
- increased Federal Assistance Grants to councils.
Cr Williams said Redlands Coast had not seemed a high priority for successive governments.
“While we acknowledge the support of the Federal Government and thank current and former Federal members and candidates for their support, there needs to be a much stronger focus if we are to overcome the funding deficiencies and shortfalls of the past,” she said.
“Council has been lobbying government for years and it is now time to ‘come on Canberra’ and invest in these priority projects.”
Cr Williams said the Council of Mayors (SEQ) People Mass Movement Study listed the Eastern Busway and Cleveland line rail duplication among transport priorities for south-east Queensland.
“The regional transport blueprint showed Federal and State Government investment in transport needed to be increased to accommodate growth,” she said.
“Transport is about much more than convenience.
“It drives economic growth and regional opportunities and is critical for our community.
“The study shows this can be achieved on Redlands Coast by duplicating the Cleveland rail line and delivering the Eastern Busway, in turn encouraging public transport use and taking private vehicles off the road.
“The people have told us clearly that they want a better transport and road system for Redlands Coast, improved health funding, better internet and mobile connectivity and more jobs for locals.
“We need the support of Federal politicians and would-be politicians if this is to ever change.
“A logical step would be to have all election candidates commit to joining Council in the ongoing fight for funding for essential transport and other projects for Redlands Coast.
“I call on all candidates to give that commitment today.”
