A key policy launched by the Queensland Greens heading into the November 25 state election is a plan for $1 bus fares to encourage people out of cars and onto public transport.
If the Greens were able to get the balance of power and make the policy a reality, the public could catch a bus at any time for the cost of a dollar, with kids riding for free.
Oodgeroo Greens candidate Brad Scott said the people of the electorate, and Redlands as a whole would benefit greatly if the policy was brought into law, with the plan also including a restructure of zones.
“Public transport is one of the most important pieces of public infrastructure for any city and modern economy,” he said. .
“The Redlands in particular have the issue of the Cleveland rail line being at capacity with 775,000 passengers using the line in 2016 (Redland City Counicl figures), the Capalaba Busway not being completed and the disproportionate rates charged to residents of the Bay Islands.
“We have an expensive, slow and inefficient system at the moment and the well planned and fully costed plan proposed by the Greens needs to be seriously looked at by all people involved in town planning and public office.”
Mr Scott said the Greens were confident that they could bring about real change in state politics.
“We have already seen the dramatic effect one Green councillor has had on the Brisbane City Council and direct policy changes that Councillor Sri can take credit for,” he said.
“At the State level we have a realistic chance of winning three seats in this election and even being in a balance of power situation with the next state government.
Mr Scott said the Greens believe the policy as well as their support for Cross River Rail would make life easier for people in the Redlands.
“The funding for the $216 million required will come from simply getting appropriate returns from mining and developer activities in the state,” he said.
“The Greens have already announced plans to make property developers and big mining companies pay their fare share which would raise more than $4 billion every year.
“The Cleveland Line will benefit directly from the Cross River Rail project being completed.
“We have also proposed three extra river crossings to compliment the system.
“Currently there is a bottle neck at East and South Brisbane for all commuters and the Cross River Rail will dramatically benefit commuters from the Wynnum and Redland areas.”
