2024 A YEAR OF MAJOR CHANGES AND DIRECTIONS FOR OUR ISLANDS
In this our December 2024 edition of your Friendly Bay Islander, we look back on a year of considerable change.
Two elections brought about the most significant changes.
At a council level, the changes at Redland City Council have been significant.
From the SMB Islands point of view, we ended up with a new Division 5 representative in Cr Shane Rendalls.
An islander himself, he knows most of our island issues personally.
He took over there reins from former outstanding councillor Mark Edwards, who left some considerably big shoes to fill.
In the Mayoral stakes, we also saw major change with new Mayor Jos Mitchell taking over from in long-serving Karen Williams.
We hope our islands stay at the forefront in the minds of council!
At a State level, the change has been considerably dramatic.
Not only do we have a new LNP Government and Premier in David Crisafulli, but also a new Member for Redlands in Rebecca Young.
They have big shoes to fill for we must say outgoing Redlands MP Kim Richards was sensational in getting funds that helped our islands considerably.
We must say, however, that both our new Premier and new Member of Parliament are well versed in our islands and Rebecca Young has been making visits here on a regular basis.
The new Premier in June made a special visit to the islands himself with Rebecca Young in June, at the invitation of the Friendly Bay Islander.
Weinam Creek and its future has been the one major issue that has been to the forefront.
Fortunately, both sides of politics make promises to fund the building of a new parking terminal.
The LNP’s option is a good one.
They have not mentioned exact funding because they say they intend to ‘do it properly’.
Redland City Council’s option to bring in private developers was not a good direction. As we see it, parking for islanders was going to be at the bottom of the equation with that option.
At one stage promises were flying around in all directions.
One promise that has ‘stuck’ are the 50 centre passenger ferry fares that have had a huge impact on islanders and ferry use.
The low fare has been a boon, here more so than anywhere else in Queensland, particularly for working islanders who have to travel daily for work.
We are also soon to see a 50% reduction in barge fees as well, thanks to the new Queensland Government.
The $2 million Macleay Island Arts Complex build has progressed to the point of competition which has been a significant island achievement.
There is no doubt that our islands are still missing out when it comes to both Federal and State funding, compared to other areas of SE Queensland.
In the meantime, your Friendly Bay Islander will continue to write good stories about good island people and to stand up for our unique SE Queensland islands.
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