MyCity Logan asked the city’s mayoral candidates for their stances on five key topics – flood mapping, Australia Day, recycling, employment, and infrastructure charges – as well as their top three advocacy priorities.
Here’s what they said:
Candidate: Jon Raven
Flood Mapping
Council has supported my motion for a review of our flood mapping this week. It’s an issue that is affecting people’s property values and it’s too important to play politics with. Irrelevant of who wins this election, the flood maps will be reviewed, particularly the risk rating and other policies.
Australia Day
If I am Mayor, Australia Day and our citizenship ceremonies will remain on January 26. It is a significant day not just for people who were born here, but the thousands of new Australians who become citizens on this day every year.
Recycling
My vision for Logan’s future is an economy built on renewable energy, recycling and innovative industries. I will support the construction of the new regional recycling facility at Browns Plains and work to attract investment from businesses that see waste as a way to recover resources and create jobs.
Council’s role in employment
While 30% of Logan’s population is under the age of 18, they are 100% of our future. I want to see more local jobs and more high-paying jobs for locals – especially our young people. To do that, we need to bring investment to the city that creates jobs and brings professional, technology, aerospace and innovative industries to our city.
Infrastructure charges
Infrastructure charges have been capped for 12 years but the cost of delivering infrastructure to support new dwellings has doubled. Ratepayers cannot afford to subsidise new infrastructure when the roads, parks and pools we already have need upgrades. I will fight for a better deal for Logan on infrastructure.
Advocacy
Public Transport, especially for our growth area.
Insurance Industry Gouging Inquiry
Digital infrastructure: Better mobile phone and internet coverage
Candidate: Brett Raguse
Flood mapping
The flood mapping, first modelled digitally after the 2011 flood events and then further exasperated by the events of February 2022 are not accurate and have heavily impacted many residents through their Insurance premiums. It is imperative that Council get their data correct to stop unfair disadvantage from increased Insurance premiums.
Australia Day
While I understand the issues and emotions attached to any ‘Australia Day’ commemoration, it is still currently gazetted as a ‘Federal Holiday’ and until such time as Federal government resolves the community sentiments around that date, Logan City will still observe that date as ‘Australia Day’.
Recycling
Logan City has been involved in recycling at many levels with a number of new technologies to cater for waste conversion. I have been actively involved through multiple roles to further extend recycling options in our city through business interaction and at different levels of government.
Council’s role in employment
This is actually a very In-depth issue that would require much more space, however I have a number plans (explained in my literature) about sustaining and creation of job opportunities through business attraction and local supply of council purchasing.
Infrastructure charges
I have already commenced dialogue with state government agencies regarding the affect of ‘outrageous’ cost shifting by State government to Council ratepayers. I will actively mobilise Council against any impost of higher infrastructure costs created by the shifting of costs from State government to Council. We must stop of ‘out of sequence’ development.
Advocacy
Stop ‘Cost Shifting’ from State Government to Council.
Improve Community Facilities.
Better consultation with our communities.
Candidate: James Reid
Flood mapping
Logan city has detailed flood map but after this years rain I BELIEVE A REVUE IS REQUIRED.
Australia Day
Australia Day needs to be on 26/01 each year, unless another date which has approval of the majority of the population agrees.
Recycling
Recycling, should always be part of local government.
Council’s role in employment
Council should always employ the best person for the job, not ever based on any other criteria.
Infrastructure charges
Infrastructure Charges, we need to revisit all council charges.
Advocacy
THREE TOP PRIORITIES.
1. INVEST LOGAN, RELEASE ALL OUTSTANDING LOSSES, as the last release of losses was two years ago and to that time losses amounted to over M$25, this is your rates.
2. Change the development categories from CODE accessible TO impact Accessible, meaning all big work has to put a sign outside the development site so all ratepayers can be informed and can object if required.
3. I will donate.50% of my net salary to a re- started Lady Mayoress group with the pensioners of Logan invited to different activities and a CHRISTMAS Lunch.
