Letters to the editor

This proposed development is championed by Cr Peter Mitchell in his “News from your Local Councillor” newsletter.

I have a problem with the parking where this development proposes “186 basement and ground level parks.”

Simple arithmetic tells us that if we use the existing 120 carpark spaces and add a further 160 for the staff, this amounts to 280 car spaces. 

Add additional spaces for visitors and customers and the proposed carpark should be in excess of 300 and these figures have no provision for expansion.

I also have concerns with the Redland Investment Corporation. Is this a facility designed to circumvent Redland City Council meetings and place decisions into the hands of a select few who are not elected?

Is this the same corporation that sold the carpark on the corner of Wynard and Middle streets to a real estate company? 

- M. Foley, Redlands

MANY residents are not happy that the Redlands Investment Corporation has been set up because it allows council to make commercial decisions that may not be in the best interests of residents who need to park before they can do business in the Cleveland CBD.

Just this last week I drove around both car parks in Doig Street before one became available. If parking becomes more of a problem I will simply go somewhere where there is adequate free parking. That means businesses lose out.

- D. Tafe, Cleveland

RE YOUR article on parking, the council inspectors who found an oversupply of parking also found people were leaving their horses tethered too long in Bloomfield Street and the manure was causing problems for local restaurants. 

It was suggested that no standing zones were implemented outside places where people might be eating.  Perhaps it is time for a new survey. 

- R. Pendrey, Cleveland

WITH council selling parking, where is anyone going to park? We have train customers who cannot find a park after 9am. Everyone is complaining about parking but council does not listen. They have parking so do not care.

- A. Roberts, Redlands

THE black storm clouds roll by and there is no rain. Ugly buildings lurk over our parks and city. Heavy is my heart knowing these large six-packs have to stay.

Middle Street is hurting. There are cranes, holes in the road and trucks delivering more destruction. Besides this massive block of units lies an empty one. Where are the visionaries?

Where are the sustainable buildings that do not suck our city dry? Where are the plans for open spaces and grass for children to play?

We do not need more shopping malls. Where are the jobs for residents to have the cash to shop? Is there more to life than sell, sell, sell?

Let's lift the shadows and make Cleveland a green and clean city. Council can if councillors open their minds and souls.

- C. Ford, Redlands

MY WIFE and I have seen many changes since first arriving in the Redlands in 1978. Population growth and where to house people is an unenviable but necessary council task.

A concerning feature is the process used when processing an application called  “re-configuration of a block” or, put simply, someone wanting to split their block.

When processing these applications they are deemed to be “code assessable”. In other words, do they fit into the city plan? If they do, then the application is approved. The major fault with this system is that residents do not get to hear about it and therefore are not in a position to register an objection.

These types of application should be re-classified “impact assessable”. This would then force the owner/developer to erect a sign at the property, advising locals of their intentions.

Victoria Point residents recently did not know of an application until it was reported in the Redland City Bulletin. People are unhappy they were unable to object.

Re-configuration of a block should be re-categorised. This would show residents that council is keeping them informed and including them in the process.

- S. Barnes, Alexandra Hills

TOM Baster is the Labor Party candidate for Bowman, running against the LNP’s Andrew Laming.

Great. I thought this time there will be two good candidates. I searched for Dr Tom’s medical practice as Labor cited that he was a medico.

I could not find it. I tried to discuss this with MP Kim Richards as it was Kim advocating that Tom is a doctor.

Perhaps Tom is no longer a doctor and is having a punt at politics?

Perhaps Labor is spooked by Andrew? Winning multiple elections and being a successful incumbent may do that. I believe it is just to try get on to a level ground with Andrew Laming who was an eye surgeon.

If Tom Baster is not a doctor or was a doctor, the real narrative should be the one broadcast.

- J. Jimenez-Medina, Upper Mount Gravatt

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