NEW REDLANDS MP REBECCA YOUNG
Preparing Russell Island State School Christmas Raffle prizes at the Russell Island Bowls Club
Q1: First of all, Rebecca, congratulations on your win in the seat of Redlands. What does your election mean to you?
A1: Thank you! It’s incredibly humbling to have earned the trust of the people of Redlands. This election means everything to me—it’s an opportunity to stand up for our community, deliver on the issues that matter most, and ensure the Southern Moreton Bay Islands have the voice they deserve in Queensland’s Parliament.
Q2: There were lots of promises thrown around prior to the election, but very few from the LNP. Was that a deliberate strategy?
A2: For too long Redlands have heard announcements over delivery. The LNP presented a plan for our future not just announcements in the hope to buy votes. Our approach was to listen to the community, understand their concerns, and focus on achievable outcomes that will have a genuine impact on people’s lives.
Q3: However, in his acceptance speech after the election, David Crisafulli was far more open and said he was in favour of a ‘bigger and bolder Queensland’ and suggested some significant investment in key infrastructure. Were you surprised by this seemingly change in direction from your leader?
A3: Not at all. David has always been focused on delivering a brighter future for Queensland, and his vision for bold investment aligns with the values of our party—building a strong, connected, and prosperous state. We committed to a fresh start for Queensland, that is what we will get and something we have made a strong start in doing.
Q4: You indicated to The Friendly Bay Islander after your election that your LNP Government would build the very necessary parking station at Weinam Creek for islander parking. Can you expand on that, please?
A4: The parking situation at Weinam Creek has been a long-standing issue for islanders, and we are committed to fixing it. Our government is focused on delivering a purpose-built facility that caters to the growing needs of the community, providing safe, accessible, and sufficient parking for island residents and visitors. I have spent the campaign building the necessary relationships with council, The Redlands Investment Corporation and their delivery partner.
Now that I am the sitting state member, I will receive a full briefing so that I can gain an in depth understanding of the planning of the project, something that was not possible for a candidate, I will gain the transparency for our community that should have already be there.
Q5: You indicated that your Government would ‘do it properly.’ What exactly does that mean?
A5: Doing it properly means engaging with the community, ensuring the design and construction of the parking station meets future demands, and prioritising safety and accessibility.
We promised you we would respect your money as a government, so when we put a dollar figure on this project, we will ensure that figure actually means something. That it is connected to an outcome, not just one that poses more questions. The parking issue will stop being used as a political “play thing”.
Q6: The previous Labor Government said there was funding for safety pontoons to be installed at the Wahine boat ramp on Russell Island. Will that still happen?
A6: Safety is a priority for our government. We’re reviewing all infrastructure commitments to ensure they are properly funded and delivered efficiently. Once I can get it established that there was funding committed, I will get the community transparency on delivery time.
Q7: There were also last-minute promises from former Member for Redlands, Kim Richards, that safety pontoons at both Karragarra and Lamb Islands would also be forthcoming. Will your Government look at this important safety infrastructure for our islands?
A7: Definitely. I’m committed to ensuring all islands in the Redlands are supported with essential safety infrastructure. We’ll assess the feasibility of these projects and prioritise them based on community needs and safety concerns.
Q8: Both you and your leader have mentioned ‘the first 100 days’ of your Government. What does this actually mean?
A8: The LNP have been very clear with our plan for Queensland, outlining steps that would be taken in the first week, the first month and the first 100 days.
Key elements include:
Establishing ministerial subcommittees focused on housing, tourism and infrastructure delivery
Getting the 2032 Olympics on track with the establishment of an independent infrastructure delivery agent
Address the cost-of-living crises by getting Calide power station back online and ensuring it has a maintenance guarantee package in place
Begin to restore safety where you live by passing the Making Queensland Safer laws prior to Christmas
Q9: Can we look to some major surprises in areas of progress for the Redlands and Queensland?
A9: We have a plan, we made that plan transparent, we will deliver that plan! You’ll see significant attention to infrastructure, housing, and community services in the Redlands, along with statewide initiatives to boost the economy and create jobs.
Q10: We presume you are in for a huge learning curve, and we wish you all the best in navigating this complex road ahead?
A10: Thank you. It’s an incredible privilege, and while there’s much to learn, I’m ready for the challenge. I’m deeply committed to serving our community with bravery and dedication. I will not stop listening.
Q11: Rebecca, it has been announced that you are to have an assistant ministerial role in the new LNP Government. Are you excited about this development in your first term as a Member of Parliament and a Member of Government?
A11: I’m thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the leadership team. It’s a chance to represent Redlands at a higher level while addressing some of the state’s most pressing issues.
Q12: You are to be the Assistant Minister to Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, involving the portfolios of State Planning, Housing, and Regulation. Sounds pretty impressive?
A12: It’s a significant responsibility, and I’m ready to take it on. These portfolios are vital for Queensland’s future, and I’m eager to work with the Deputy Premier to ensure that Redlands and Queensland as a whole thrive under our leadership.
Comments