The Toondah Harbour application ... has pitted members of the community against each other.
- Greg Hill
FORMER Navy radio operator and businessman Greg Hill will run on a platform of trust and independence when he contests the Division 8 seat in the March local government election.
Mr Hill, who has lived in the Redlands for more than 20 years, said the biggest challenge for the region was balancing lifestyle and growth.
"Bayside regions will always be an attraction of families and with that comes the need for schools (and) shopping centres and available land for housing," he said.
"It is essential we have good road networks for those who need to travel for work but we also must have adequate open space for parks and wildlife corridors for all to enjoy and cherish."
He said good town planning was essential to accommodating growth and controversial development proposals should be minimised.
"Case in point ... is the Toondah Harbour application (which) has pitted members of the community against each other due to the proposed reclamation of coastal wetlands and the migratory bird issues to be affected for the development to proceed," he said.
"Any application which challenges the wellbeing of the environment requires high level environmental science in the evaluation process. Good planning ... will allow for growth to occur but not at the expense of our relaxed and enviable lifestyles."
He said a university campus for the Redlands was also a priority.
Mr Hill served 11 years in the Navy as a radio operator before working in public service jobs and as a real estate agent and auctioneer in the Northern Territory.
Since moving to the Redlands, he has owned and operated several small businesses including a restaurant and bakeries. He was also a partner in a Victoria Point real estate franchise.
"I understand the demands and sacrifice of small business as well as anyone and the importance of small business in our community.
"I have an adult son who was born profoundly deaf so I have a real desire to assist where I can with the handicapped and disadvantaged in our community.
"I will also fight for fairness with the rates people are paying. People pay a lot and I want to see that accountable."
Mr Hill will run against incumbent Tracey Huges.
