Toowoomba
and surrounding areas are a great place to raise a family and get an education.
It is important that future generations enjoy the same benefits. That requires
planning that balances our present needs (of a strong economy and employment)
with sustainable long term development that ensures the traditional community
values, built environment, natural surrounds and lifestyle are maintained and
improved for future generations. I want
to offer transparent government that listens to its citizens it serves. I plan
to bring balance and consultation to Council.
I want to see prime agricultural land protected.
The 21st century for growing global humanity,
most likely going to be about water and food access. In our Region, we sit on
some the richest land in Australia. We need to protect and improve it for
future generations. Gas wells on traditional farms don’t do well. I think of
Hopeland and Acland as examples of destroying farmland for coal mining, which
is poor practice. The efforts of the “lock the gate” campaign, Oakey Coal Action
Alliance and Hopeland Community Sustainability Group are inspirational for
providing awareness but really our elected officials should have been more involved.
Failure by the government usually results in desperate actions of good people.
All of us have seen degradation through inappropriate development
happening all the time. I want greater transparency in decision making and
community consultation. Lets run advertisements on the mass media, outlining
development not just signs along the side of the road. I want the community to
have the right scrutinize which means making public council submissions to
object easier. I believe planning should be pro-active and supportive to the “would
be” developers by ensuring they are fully aware of their responsibilities. New
developments need to be shaped ensure to they support the critical necessity of
a healthy urban, agricultural and natural environment.
In council, I want to review planning rules to ensure that
residential development supports the heritage and lifestyle of our community.
Our actions today, will last and influence our community for decades and
beyond. Our planning should be celebrated in 100 years as innovative, flexible
and appropriate.
Protection for wild tracks of land should be mandatory. Like
the rich top soil of our local farms, once gone, wild environments are gone
forever.
Built urban environments should feature mandatory planning
of trees and gardens, and construction of parks. Sustainable housing should be
rewarded for both to the developer, builder and homeowner.
We need more festivals like the Fenton Food Festival that promotes
agriculture and tourism.
Some case studies that illustrate the need for better
consultation and transparency:
·
Escarpment clearing at Happy Valley Rd Cabarlah.
Why?
·
Retrospective council approval to a company for
the removal of 75 mega-litres of water per week from a Ravensbourne aquifer.
Why?
·
The road clearing through the escarpment
parkland on the Toowoomba range.
·
The current proposal for a meat processing plant
near Welcamp.
·
The proposed new developments in Glenvale and
behind Highfields.
Authorised C Marendy 11 Burnell Crt,
Toowoomba, QLD, 4350
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