barry

Local Government Reform Needed

Currently there are 5 Councils in Queensland being investigated by the Crime and Corruption Commission for alleged corruption by councillors and/or officers. This, plus the Community and SEQ Alliances’ own experiences with local councils has led to advocacy with the Minister for Local Government for some reforms over and above the Belcarra Reforms. There is a strong link or nexus between alleged council corruption and planning assessment approvals, which has been raised with both the Minister for Local Government, Hon Stirling Hinchliffe, and the Minister for Planning, Hon. Cameron Dick.

By barry, ago

National Parks – a jewel to protect or ripe for exploitation?

Since the very first Queensland National Park was established in 1908 at Witches Falls on Mount Tamborine, the debate about the purpose of national parks has continued. Are national parks primarily for the conservation of nature or are they for the enjoyment of nature by the human population? Or if it is to be both, what weight should the community give to conservation versus enjoyment?

By barry, ago

Off Shore Cruise Terminal (OSCT)

Council has continued to spend ratepayer funds on investigations into this proposal, despite strong community opposition to this proposal as well as all previous cruise ship proposals since 2003. The resultant reports are heavily redacted especially information regarding financial and physical risks, information the community is entitled to know about! The proposal was sent to the Co-ordinator General who declined to consider it until the Spit Master Plan process is complete in late 2019.

By barry, ago

Gecko Recycling Initiatives

Gecko Recycle Scheme for hard to recycle items is coming to fruition. These items are Household Batteries, CDs & DVDs, Printer Cartridges, and Mobile Phones, which currently end up in the council tip. This program is designed to place a Hard to Recycle container in every shopping centre so such items can be safely disposed of and a volunteer will empty the container on a regular basis.

By barry, ago

Black Swan Lake

The campaign to stop the infill of the Lake has continued unabated over past months, but nothing has swayed either the Council or the Gold Coast Turf Club. The Lake is now partially filled and the GC Turf Club apparently intends to fill it all, except for whatever small amount is needed for flood mitigation.

By barry, ago