I believe one of the most important roles of a politician is to listen to constituents, after all they are people who vote us in and out of office, and it is our duty to represent their wishes.
I understand that politicians at all levels – federal, state and local government – are busy people with many demands on their time, but surely nothing is as important as speaking with members of the community.
That is why I recently convened a meeting of residents from the Bethania and Waterford Palm Lakes over-50s resorts to discuss the proposed route of the Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail.
The $7 million dollar Queensland Government and Logan City Council project involves the construction of 10 kilometres of walking and cycling track, following the route of the disused Beenleigh to Beaudesert rail corridor.
The proposed rail trail will link with Bethania Station and extend through to Logan Village to connect with the recently opened Logan Village to Yarrabilba Rail Trail, passing through the centre of the Palm Lakes Resort.
The residents are concerned that the rail trail could have a detrimental impact on their lives; with members of the public walking, running, or riding bikes through the resort.
They believe that this could lead to an increase in crime, such as break-ins or burglaries, littering, vandalism, or general anti-social behaviour that could lower their quality of life.
At the meeting we discussed a number of potential solutions to the problems, such as diverting the rail trail along a different route or installing safety fences and lockable gates to prevent people wandering off the path.
As I explained to the residents, I am unable to stop the project going ahead and I am on the record as saying that I am in favour of the extension of the rail trail between Bethania and Logan Village.
However, I’ve now heard the residents’ arguments, and I have promised to contact the local Logan City councillor to pass on their concerns in the hope that planners will take this into consideration as this project proceeds.
