Division 8 candidates on the town plan, the urban footprint and jobs

Redland City Bulletin reporter JUDITH KERR asked the 29 candidates in the March 19 election 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 8 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?

TRACEY HUGES

1. The community spoke with almost 7000 submissions that they seek review/change, this indicates that residents are not happy with Draft City Plan.  So yes it should start again.
2. I would welcome Rural development in rural zoned areas.
3. Tourism and small business support with increased IT infrastructure.

ALAN BEARD (Incumbent)

1. No.  It has been through an exhaustive community consultation. Planning officers and then council will consider submissions. The community will have had ample opportunity to provide input.
2. No. The draft planning scheme offers no opportunity to intensify development in the rural zone,where development is already permitted. The Plan has sufficient residential land to accommodate population growth to 2041.
3. Revitalise the Cleveland CBD, Toondah Harbour and Weinam Creek. Efforts to entice business such as Surf Life Saving Qld and the Industry Trade College. Tourism will be important after mining on North Stradbroke Island. More needs to be done for businesses on southern bay islands.

KATHY REIMERS

1. No. The town plan process is in Stage 4, the community review, consultation and submission stage. We can make the changes we want to see in Redland City now without having to start the process over.
2. No. Our rural zoned areas are a part of what draws people to Redland City. Losing our rural areas means losing tourism, and part of our city’s identity and potentially losing more of our unique wildlife.
3. Investment in a major All Weather Venue will attract local jobs in hospitality and tourism; increased promotion of Redland; lobbying of Federal and State governments.

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