Priority 1
Residents have a right to know how decisions are made, why they are made and who is accountable for them.
This is where everything starts. I want a Council that is open, transparent and prepared to answer difficult questions. Integrity must underpin every decision, every expenditure and every interaction with our community.
Accountability should not just be a word used in Council documents; it needs to be demonstrated through actions.
Priority 2
Ratepayers deserve to know where their money is going, why decisions are being made and what outcomes they are getting in return.
Ratepayers are already under considerable financial pressure. Council needs to stop relying on increasing rates to solve its financial problems. Before asking residents to pay more, Council must look closely at its own spending, identify savings and show that it is managing existing resources responsibly. Rate increases should not simply become the default answer.
I want to scrutinise expenditure, improve accountability and make sure we are getting value for every ratepayer dollar. This is not about cutting services for the sake of it; it is about responsible financial management, and making sure Council’s resources go to the things that matter to our community.
Priority 3
Our islands are an important part of what makes Redland City unique, but I hear too often that island residents are paying more and getting less.
Our Bay Islands communities deserve fairness and equitable treatment. Residents should not feel disadvantaged simply because they choose to live on an island, and their concerns deserve fair consideration in Council’s decisions and budget priorities.
I want to properly examine how rates are structured, what island residents pay, what services they receive and whether the current arrangements are fair. Whether you live on the mainland or on one of our islands, you deserve equitable access to Council services, infrastructure and representation. No community should feel forgotten or treated as an afterthought.
Priority 4
We need to take a very close look at how Council spends ratepayer money.
In particular, I want to understand Council’s employee costs, staffing structures, management levels and overall wage expenditure.
This is not about undervaluing Council employees or the important work they do. It is about making sure staffing levels, remuneration and organisational structures are sustainable, appropriate and delivering value for money. Every dollar spent is a dollar contributed by a ratepayer.
Priority 5
The Toondah Harbour project has been an ongoing issue for our community for far too long. Residents deserve clarity, certainty and leadership.
I want Council to stop allowing indecision to continue and make a clear, informed decision about the future of Toondah Harbour.
That means properly considering the environmental, economic, planning and community implications.
Priority 6
We need to take a long-term view of where our city is heading.
Development must be supported by appropriate infrastructure, and major projects need proper planning, financial scrutiny and realistic timeframes.
Development also needs to be balanced with our heritage, the environment and the coastal character of our lifestyle. A balanced approach is critical, and decisions should not be made in isolation. Long-term sustainability must be at the centre of our planning.
Sign up and we’ll ask for your view as the policy detail comes together.
