State Labor politicians have long memories of a Campbell Newman-led state Liberal government they say “ignored” their Logan heartland.
But these are new times. A new Premier, David Crisafulli. A chance, perhaps, to make amends in a region where eight state government seats touch on the Logan local government area – all of them held by Labor MPs.
So MyCity Logan sought reassurances. We asked the office of the new premier about key issues, a new stadium, a new highway, upgrades to existing highways, public transport, and other commitments.
Cue the crickets. Silence.
The line of questioning simple: Does the new government have Logan’s back?
Two weeks ago, while the premier was in Cairns, we started asking questions. We requested an interview. We wanted to know whether we’d still be getting a new Olympic indoor venue.
We asked again repeatedly, via numerous emails, texts and calls.
A spokesperson for the premier did respond on 14 November, with a written statement.
“As one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions, the Crisafulli Government understands the importance of investment in the Logan region,” he said.
“For too long, Labor has taken this community for granted, which has resulted in ambulance ramping and delays to critical infrastructure.
“Our priorities for this region and across the state are ending Labor’s youth crime, health, housing and cost of living crises.
“Our Making Queensland Safer Laws will be in place by Christmas Adult Crime, Adult Time policy will see youth offenders held to account for serious crimes.”
Yes, but what about the stadium? And the roads?
More crickets.
Note from the editor: MyCity Logan is in no way politically aligned. We receive some support from each political party, and we have been critical of all sides of politics, at all levels of government.
We do however, feel it is reasonable for political arms of government to be held accountable, and answerable to the people of this city.
For, it is you – the people of Logan – who read our paper, and who we aim to inform. When those answers are not forthcoming, we feel you have a right to know.
This is the purpose and value of independent media, who are here to provide a voice for our communities.
In a column in today’s paper, Liberal federal MP Bert van Manen was right. He said the LNP came very close to being represented in what has been regarded safe state Labor territory for more than a decade.
Our questioning to the premier was an opportunity to clarify people’s points of concern – to address issues which are specific to our area.
We’ll keep asking questions. We’ll continue to publish the answers. And the non-answers. You can then be the judge.
