Division 1 candidates on the town plan, the urban footprint and jobs

Redland City Bulletin reporter JUDITH KERR asked the 29 candidates in the March 19 to answer questions on the town plan, the urban footprint and jobs. Their answers were published on the paper’s 22 February 2016 issue.

Here are the answers of the Division 1 candidates, in the order of their appearance on the ballot card.

The questions were:

1)     Do you think the current town plan process should start again?

2)    Would you approve more development in existing rural zoned areas?

3)    How would you create more jobs in the city in the next four years?

WENDY BOGLARY (Incumbent)

1. I have concerns with the current draft. Yes the plan has to be revised to restore the right direction.
2. There is sufficient residential zoning to last probably 50 years but we do not have job opportunities or sufficient sporting facilities so approval would depend on the development and needs of the city.
3. Promote our assets and location in sectors we want to attract such as tourism, arts, offices and clean industries. Zone land for an employment area. Work with Chambers to encourage businesses. Make areas a destination. Continue to lobby the State to decentralise and move their offices here. 

CORINNE TOMASI

1. The review has made it simpler and easier to understand and it is always under review. It therefore doesn’t make sense to start again. The State Government sets the timetable for this regional plan and council has to live within that timetable.
2. No – we must live within the planning scheme although this does mean greater housing diversity.
3. By working closely with small business and providing the support they need as they provide the vast majority of jobs. This should include incentives such as keeping rates down and supporting tariff reductions for electricity where council can influence.

PAUL BRANAGAN

1. No, I believe that would be a waste of ratepayers’ money. We need the new council to make the new plan work as effectively as possible.
2. All development needs to be analysed on merit but in general I would be inclined away from such developments.
3. Long term, the Toondah Harbour development can be a great economic boost to the area, but short term the council needs to be working with state and federal governments to help the local small business community, the engine room of the Australian economy, to grow, prosper and employ more people.

Source:  http://www.redlandcitybulletin.com.au/story/3743004/learn-about-your-candidates