Barber’s survey
It would seem to me, and I guess to anyone taking a fleeting interest in what’s going on in this beautiful neck of Moreton Bay, that the main mouthpiece proponents of the terrible Toondah Harbour proposal are mayor Karen Williams, Cr Peter Mitchell and MP Andrew Laming.
They should be concerned. My barber tells me he has done an informal survey of customers about Toondah and he reckons it’s at least 80 per cent against.
His survey is, admittedly, not scientific but would it be much less scientific than Mr Laming’s surveys?
If I were a local MP or councillor seeking re-election, I would be much more cautious in who and what I support. If these three are unable to sniff the breeze then I would suggest they should consider looking at back up employment.
We know they have little concern for the endangered eastern curlew but they should be worried about the Toondah albatross they will carry into elections.
- P. Hennessy, Cleveland
Birds of a feather
Last week ABC journalists reported that former environment minister Josh Frydenberg appeared to favour developer Lang Walker’s Toondah redevelopment proposal over his own scientists’ recommendations.
Ironically, about the same time, Redland City Council (an originator of the $1.4 billion development) launched an art exhibition highlighting the plight of threatened migratory shorebirds at its Cleveland Gallery.
Yes, it is about the very birds that fly unbelievably long distances every year to the same Moreton Bay RAMSAR sites to feed. These are the sites that would be destroyed if the development proceeds.
Artist Deb Mostert has spent two years putting together Australien Future – Tales of Migration. Her work links her family’s migration from The Netherlands with the many endangered migratory birds, like bartailed godwits, eastern curlew and arctic terns which fly to the northern hemisphere.
It was standing room only at the launch but there was a glaring absence. Not one politician ventured in to share in the exhibition’s critical messages. It’s hard to believe out of 16 local representatives (mayor, 10 local councillors, one federal member and four state members) not one could find the time (or perhaps the courage) to front up for a conversation about Toondah.
This exhibition runs until January 20.
- S. MacDonald, Cleveland
Listen to scientists
The revelation on ABC radio last week that the then environment minister Josh Frydenberg went against his department’s advice in not finding the Walker Proposal for Toondah Harbour “clearly unacceptable” fuels the public perception that major party donors can expect favourable treatment.
It was reported that the Walker Corporation gave $225,000 to the Liberal Party in the lead up to the decision.
The proposal will now proceed to an environmental impact study despite the advice of departmental experts.
Contrary to some councillors and Bowman MP Andrew Laming, these experts believe that the science already exists to deny the proposal in its current form.
The community is faced with more years of uncertainty before any improvement can be expected to the ferry terminal.
- B. Douglass, Cleveland
Time to deliver
I agree with your editorial (Politicians should spare us silly games, RCB Dec 5).
People are tired of government and political parties trying to score political points at the expense of one another. They are even more tired of seeing this roll out daily through social media.
It is okay to advocate for our community by lobbying a government to deliver. That is the job of politicians, to represent their residents and it can be done firmly but respectfully.
However, it is something else entirely to use mistruths or silly political games to fling mud at each other at the expense of the community. Residents want results. They do not want stunts or social media jibes.
I respectfully call on all elected representatives to work together – regardless of political persuasion – to deliver for Redlands.
- K. Williams, Redlands
Irony in politicking
I find it laughable that Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson is politicking about extra recycling centres and state government negligence.
Some years ago, I received correspondence from his office to say he would not be considering introducing of a beverage container refund scheme, in reply to an email I sent to lobby for it, after an article in the RCB in which Mark was spruiking about his campaign regarding healthy waterways.
This in the shadow of the floods, when the banks of the Brisbane River were littered with plastic drink bottles. Quite ironic.
- S. Hintz, Wellington Point
Good effort
Congratulations are due to the Redlands RSL Sub Branch, secretary Michael McDonnell, Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey and Queensland Rail for providing a fitting way to commemorate the centenary of the armistice of WWI.
The idea of a troop train to Cleveland belongs to Mr McDonnell. The train, with a skin depicting a soldier and a Flanders poppy, left central on schedule, arriving at Cleveland at 10am. The sole stop was Manly, where a large number of people greeted passengers. This was reminiscent of the respect given to troops during WWI.
The service which followed at Anzac Centenary Park was a credit to organisers. As always, the day showed that patriotism and respect for veterans is alive in the Redlands.
- S. Davis, Wellington Point