"IF YOU HAVE NO CRITICS YOU LIKELY HAVE NO SUCCESSES"

‎In recent weeks, I have experienced an amazing amount of positive support and affirmation for the mayoralty challenge in 2012. However, as expected in public office, it is difficult to satisfy everyone’s agenda, particularly when it is personal and not really focused on the issues at hand. As the Tertulian quote states,  "The first reaction to truth is hatred."

In response to one of the misguided accusations that I have “done nothing” here is a sample of my major achievements since 2004:

Community Projects

• Mentor One - Introduced the program to Capalaba and Redland City (with Boystown).  Over 200 volunteers have been trained and placed in local Redland City schools to assist with young people at risk of disengaging.  The success of the program resulted in expansion outside of Redland City. 
• Clarehaven – A 26 unit project for young people with disabilities in Alexandra Hills.   I engaged partnerships with local professionals to deliver pro bono services valued at over $100k to progress the project to Council lodgement stage.  13 units about to be constructed.
• RedFest – I was part of the team that saved this annual event (Redland Strawberry Festival) from financial extinction.  I have presided as Chairman, Treasurer and marketing coordinator (writing media releases every week in the lead up and organizing advertising) and assisted with Entertainment coordination.
• Capalaba Business Improvement District Inc  -  I assisted with the creation of the business group for all Capalaba businesses, whose focus advocates better environmental practices, ultimately driving financial savings and placing Capalaba as a competitive business community in SEQ..
• Redland Foundation – I am a Director of the recently formed Community Charitable Trust that is committed to the enhancement of Redlands and its people through bequests and donations.

Council Projects

• Completion of Capalaba Regional Park including the All Abilities Playground  - with Federal, State and community partnerships and investment with organisations such as Boystown, delivered the playground and infrastructure to  $3mill+ Park .
• Redland Youth Plaza  - Delivered to John Fredericks Park with a new amenities block at a cost of $1.5m +.
• Completed landscaping entries to Capalaba (Redland City).
• Supported Capalaba Football Club to establish an international size field and delivered fencing between Greyhound Racing Track and Jnr Rugby League Club.
• Capalaba Wastewater Treatment Plant - Addressed and solved continuing odour issues for residents residing nearby .
• Saved the ‘Faces’ fence at the gateway to the Redlands along Moreton Bay Road from being demolished when Aldi was constructed.
• Assisted Rotary Bushcare Group to enhance the banks of Tingalpa creek at Capalaba, relocating the flagpole and time capsule and preserving the historic cobble stone road in John Fredericks Park that linked the old timber bridge to the City.
• Capalaba Stakeholders Group – created the group to address ongoing safety issues and perceptions in Capalaba CBD and brought together all agencies (Police, Dept of Communities, shopping centre owners, Youth justice representative) and delivered Shopping Centre protocols that can be used across the entire City.
• Graff-Art Project – I initiated partnership that delivered the painting of a large mural on the side of the ANZ building next to the Capalaba Busway, resulting in the elimination of continual graffiti on the building.
• Capalaba CBD Masterplan Completion including Continual lobbying to improve State Government road infrastructure in an attempt to alleviate traffic congestion in Capalaba CBD.  Masterplan recently adopted will assist in driving this outcome.

Personal Projects

• Collected petition against lack of compensation from the State Government for our water assets.  (Total 3300 signatures approx =1229 epetition + 2100 hardcopy) – E Petition View Closed Petition and hard copy available upon request.
• Collected petition to bring Eastern Busway forward in timeframe to Capalaba.View Closed Petition
• Collected Petition against potential amalgamation of Redland Shire View Closed Petition
• Collected petition to Council against fluoridation without due consultation in Queensland.

I encourage everyone, regardless of agendas, to take the time to talk to me if they have concerns, questions, and suggestions.

For those few who often hide behind pseudonyms on blogs or are just keen to elevate their status by insidious unfounded nastiness – you now have a sample of my major achievements.  Feel free to compare these achievements with any other government representative before taking aim and if you require further proof, simply give me a call or send me an email.

I am always happy to justify my previous record when questioned, but what we really need is a focus on 21^st solutions for our future and that of our children and grandchildren. That is what I intend to offer over the next 12 months. In the meantime, I will take solace in the wise words of Malcolm Forbes "If you have no critics you likely have no successes." 

IT'S COUNCIL NOT KINDY

It is time for the factions within Council to stop trying to shoot the messenger.

The behavior of Deputy Mayor Cr Elliott and his faction at last weeks' Council meeting is a clear demonstration of a Council that has lost its way and still doesn’t understand that the Chamber is for debating relevant decisions in the interest of the community not an opportunity for a pack mentality ambush. The motion that was presented is not even enforceable – as stated by the CEO, yet regardless councillors insisted on voting for it.  Allowing this item to be accepted as “urgent business without notice” was farcical. Comparatively, a few months ago, my attempt to review Koala Strategy operational expenses was refused as a business item on a Council agenda.  

What was witnessed was a shameful attempt to shut down any meaningful dialogue that points to three years of shortcomings on their behalf.

This is not the first time that debate and dialogue has been shut down.  The last three budgets have been manipulated by Councillors through procedural motions to ensure there is no “speaking against” individual budget items – forcing me to vote against the entire budget without any opportunity to highlight what I am now presenting.

Not only am I happy to answer and address my claims to the people of Redland City, but I'd be happy to take these Chamber dwellers out into the real Redlands, to meet with real residents, and to show them first hand what their neglect and incompetence has caused.

One questions their interpretation of democracy, when anyone daring to have another opinion comes under attack from this group for statements based on resident feedback.

One of the reasons I have decided to stand as Mayor is to end this sort of nonsense and to encourage a focused Council, with every Councillor getting off their chair in the chamber, and actually doing some real, measurable and cost effective work for the rate payers and residents. Hiding in the Council Chamber and acting like the schoolyard bully is rather childish and like most Redland City residents I have had enough.

This attempt at politics looks more like a kindy class that is allowed to get out of control.

It would be funny except for the fact that we pay them for this. It is laughable to think that these elected representatives refuse to hear criticism, refuse to deal with factual realities and demand that I “represent the administration” rather than the residents.

I welcome the Mayors comments during the outburst, that she "would write to the Bayside Bulletin to set the records straight" in reference to the spending on the Koala Communications Strategy.  It will make for interesting reading.  

It is time for the Hobson/Elliott team to stop playing and start governing in the interest of all the people of Redland City.

   

It is Redland City’s future and the future of its residents that we're talking about here, not Cr Elliott’s career or his feelings.

Last weeks display is a clear sign of the need for a fresh start with a fresh approach and fresh leadership.

I am looking to leading a strong Council that has a clear focus on its people and one that is prepared to push to have our City, the jewel in the South East's Crown, recognised and supported for all that it brings to Queensland. Not a Council with Councillors who treat criticism as a personal insult and make ill-informed decisions based on extreme partisan ideologies.

Redlands needs to be a city of the future with a firm focus on family, affordability, beneficial growth and balanced and responsive representation.

A lock us up and leave us alone attitude has created a city that is failing environmentally, failing in affordability and failing to establish jobs growth or opportunities for its most valuable asset - our young people.

All I can say to these Councillors is remember...It is your job to listen, you were elected to place first the broader community’s genuine best interests.  Not your own personal ambitions and agendas.

Leadership

It is coincidental that I have been asked to address a primary school this week as part of their induction for their school leaders.  Clearly the subject given to me was "leadership".  In light of the journey ahead, it was rather timely for me to take the time to prepare this speech.    So here it is...

Leadership

The word “leadership” is a word that I find really interesting.  It is one of those words that is abused, misused and well and truly overused.

It is a bit like the word “vibrant” – when I was young, you hardly used that word.  But when you heard it, ”vibrant” really felt like a truck full of colour hitting you in the face.  Today, I feel it has become a bit washed out.  You hear “vibrant personality”, “vibrant colour scheme”, etc etc.  It just doesn’t paint that colourful picture anymore.  Similarly, the word “Leadership” – we relate it to popularity and having followers that listen and support your every opinion.  It just doesn’t seem to paint the same picture anymore.

Leadership is about so much more than being popular.  In fact, demonstrating leadership is doing what you know and believe is right for the greater good and is not always easy, palatable or popular for everyone around you. Great leaders demonstrate foresight and vision regardless of contemporary opinion. A great leader is someone who has a vision of what the world ought to be.  A great leader has the desire and drive to turn dreams into reality. Great leaders can see the sparks in young peoples eyes and encourage them to use that spark to ignite their imagination, because good leadership is contagious.  They don’t do or say things just to look like they have made cool decisions. They commit to making it happen and then (like the Nike logo), "Just Do It".

Former American President Harry Truman once said, “that in periods where there is no leadership, society stands still.  Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better”. 

I believe that, today, leadership is a tough task for you as students because there are few role models for leadership today. This is why in some places our society stands still.  That is because people are mistaking popularity for leadership.  We need a new generation of leaders who understand the real meaning of leadership – not the washed out version. We need leaders that understand its demands, its need for vision and most importantly virtue.  We live in a world where it seems the creed has become “get as much as you can as quickly as you can with the least amount of effort”.  We live in a world that has a focus on our individual rights and a “not in my back yard” opinion.  Sadly, this perpetuates bad decisions and a sense that we should believe in no one and trust no one.  Without this trust no one wants to take responsibility for any one else - not even for themselves. It is much easier to blame someone else when things don’t go their way. It makes leadership seem almost impossible with that in mind.

But true leadership has great long lasting rewards – it allows us to leave a legacy and influence a better world. I have great faith in you, our young people, our future leaders and I believe that there is leadership potential in each of us as long as we desire for a better world.  Perhaps it is a world where we are a “WE” community again instead of a “ME” community. Maybe that is what you will achieve as leaders and that will be your legacy.   What an amazing legacy!  Whatever it is ...you need to believe there is a time and place better than now and have a glimpse of the future. 

Remember, you don’t need to wear a badge or be called captain to be a leader. You need to approach your life and studies with consideration of values such as truth, integrity, competence, commitment and most of all compassion and by this you will be demonstrating leadership to your fellow students and the community.  Leaders don’t pretend to know everything but learn from errors and do it better next time. 

Another former American President John F Kennedy once said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

Remember this as you head into your year of study here and I wish you all the best of luck for your futures as our new vibrant generation of young leaders.

Unravelling the Rhetoric

A few weeks ago, I had the distinct pleasure of attending Griffith University to view the final assessment of an inspiring young academic from Redland City.  Her commitment to young people in Redlands was/is experienced in every word that she delivered.  With her permission, I am providing you with excerpts from her report, as I believe it illustrates the many frustrations that our community experiences across the board.  There is often a great deal of talk, back patting & self flagellation by Council which appears to result in very little.  This view is shared by Ainslie Meiklejohn-Griffiths in Redland City Council's approach to our future generations - today's young people. 

The Mayor's latest glossy Residents Report branded with "winner" logos goes on to espouse  "Sustainability: the bottom line" and explains the importance of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.  In the true sense, this should not just be about the green environment.  It needs to consider the other pillars of livability and consider our people and our youth.  Ainslie will tell you that we should not have to wait another 10 years to meet the needs of our young people and we are not meeting them now.

We have not achieved sustainability by winning "Keep Australia Beautiful-  Queensland's Sustainable City" awards. This award does not measure the health and prospects for our current and future youth.  If Council is really serious about "sustainability"  we need less talk and more action in improving the lives and opportunities for our young people in Redland City.

Unravelling the Rhetoric - Ainslie Meiklejohn-Griffiths - 16 November 2010

Preamble. 

The inspiration for this report emerged from a poorly researched news article released early this year, which 

featured information about youth and graffiti. The article was in the local newspaper which has the ability to 

reach numerous residents and influence opinions. The more concerning part with the article was the picture, 

which depicted four officials from the community, two were politicians and two were from a youth organization. The in-discrepancy with the photo was the incorrect labeling of art as graffiti. This shows how policy can be made and implemented without correct knowledge of the problem at hand. There are many different studies about young people and youth culture. It is now known graffiti is a part of a sub-culture and some galleries display graffiti style artworks. While not all young people engage in the graffiti sub-culture and not all people participating in graffiti styled artworks are young people, this small-scale mistake in the local paper was indicative of a larger issue. 

The Redland City is an area “just south-east of Brisbane, Queensland, it covers 537 square kilometres. 

There are large government, financial, commercial and retail centers at Cleveland and Capalaba, as well as 

extensive retail and services facilities at Victoria Point, Alexandra Hills, Birkdale and Redland Bay” (Redland 

SHire Council 2006). If the local paper is to believed, the focus of this area is on koalas, however this has 

proved to be problematic as the local residents, primarily the young people of the area are missing out on 

facilities and opportunities to create and negotiate pathways. The council produces numerous documents, 

which promotes the different facilities, which the council funds, however it is possible to prove these 

documents are about rhetoric and the young people are missing out in the process. 

Un-raveling the Rhetoric 

In Redlands 2030 Community Plan it outlines specific goals and aspirations of the council in regards to the 

direction of the facilities provided for the residents. One of the goals outlines states “accessible and afford- 

able community facilities, services, programs, activities and events, designed by, with and for children and 

young people, encourage them to feel included, display their culture and interact in a safe environment” 

(Redland City Council 2010). From this information it is possible to discern young people are not currently a 

priority as this is a goal for long-term future. If community initiatives were a priority, this goal would be based 

on updating existing facilities to meet future demands or about sustaining an already proven commitment. 

This information shows the lack of action the Redland City Council is engaged in and shows the need to im- 

prove levels of commitment. 

As stated previously, a commitment towards young people and social enterprise has been made on the be- 

half of council. However this move towards engaging young people in community initiatives can be seen as a 

reactionary measure as stated in a media release it states “Redland City Council is committed to building 

safe, strong and self-reliant communities, Cr Hobson said. The project [The Cage Youth Foundation] aims to 

reduce youth crime and anti-social behaviour in the area by providing opportunities for our young people to 

positively contribute to community life” (Redland City Council 2009). This shows the current lack of activities 

for young people, despite the installation of the youth plaza. It reconfirms the ideas, a skate park while it pro- 

vides a recreation area does not solve deeper social problems. Moreover, further announcements is council 

documents claim the council is “Ensuring young people are part of on-going dialogue and decision‐making  

about how the community develops is recognised by initiatives such as  Redlands 2030 and the Austra- 

lia 2020  Summit” (Redland City Council 2009). However as explained by Lucas Walsh these types of initia- 

tives can often be views as tokenistic by the young people (Walsh, 2010). The use of space by young people 

in the area, which is labeled as antisocial in both the media and other community reports, only indicates the 

lack of engagement between council and young people. 

The Redlands Young Adults Project 2006 shows a dissatisfaction for facilities for young adults in the Red- 

lands area. The main factors of concern in the document which the young adults saw as needing improve- 

ment was transport, employment and an entertainment precinct (Redland City Shire, 2006). The Annual Re- 

port 2005-2006 reflected this information on page 27, however there was not commitment of funding other 

than the implementation of a skate park (Redland Shire Council 2006). As previously discussed, the aca- 

demic dialogue shows a skate park is a useful tool for entertaining a specific audience, it cannot be included 

as a central theme for a youth strategy. The dissatisfaction with employment levels as expressed in the Red- 

lands Young Adults Project 2006 shows a need for intervention or advocacy from government as Honouring 

Our Commitment shows the need to make a stable transition from study to work as young people who do not 

make this transition run the risk of not finding adequate employment or the further necessary skills to gain 

independence (Dusseldorp, 2002). This information proves, Redland City Council is aware of the issues. 

Recommendations 

Public transport was indicated as a serious issue for young people as they often are unable to provide their 

own transport. It is recommended public transport is more frequent in the area and more affordable. Any or- 

ganization dealing with young people should also be mindful when organizing events to ensure the times 

allow for public transport use. Alternatively, it could be appropriate for the provision of transport to be privat- 

ized and heavily subsidized for specific events. 

For young people to be able to take control of their own area as provided by the Safer Suburbs grant. Young 

people should be trained to create social events and activities which both themselves and their peers could 

engage in. This would be a perfect example of social enterprise and it would also deliver skills to young peo- 

ple which they could use in the labour market in an attempt to make the transition between education and 

work easier. 

It is not sufficient to provide a youth space which is only accessible on a weekly basis and entertainment 

provided should match the target audience needs. Inclusionary practices which involve appropriate levels of 

consultation with young people before spending funds on projects needs to be acted upon. Acting in a timely 

manner to feedback or criticisms and making the appropriate changed to ensure young peoples needs are 

meet if of high importance. 

The local media has published many articles about young people and antisocial behaviour, which influences 

public opinion. The appointment of an individual to advise staff at  the local paper or for staff to receive fur- 

ther professional development and learn the further ramifications of reporting about young people would be 

helpful in this situation. 

To engage in dialogue with business owners where young people frequent the vicinity regularly and produce 

appropriate strategies which suit the needs of all parties. If security officers are to be utilized, it is advised all 

officers are to receive professional development in dealing with young people. 

For council to engage in ongoing dialogue with young people, outside of the already utilized communication 

channels. It is clear from the behaviour of the young people current solutions are yet to be proven viable and 

further investigations as to what young people need should be embarked on. 

The Redland Water 'Rip Off'

The Great SEQ Water Debate has been reignited and, in my opinion, will continue to be a topic of public debate for years to come as the hikes in water rates take an upward spiral.

Unfortunately for Redland City, we were needlessly thrown into this bureaucratic bungle called 'Water Reform'. It was completely unnecessary as the Redlands had positioned itself over the last couple of decades to be self sustaining in supplying water to our community.

LET’S SHARE?

At the time of the reform, I was informed by a State Government Member of Parliament, trying to justify the SEQ Water Grid, that water should be shared and not limited to one municipality. Unfortunately, that MP had not been around in Redlands as long as myself and others to realise that Redlands was actually forced to become self sufficient when it suffered a water shortage and Brisbane City refused to “share” with Redland Shire by extending its water network. Incredible irony really!.

REPORT - 'ASSESSMENT OF DRIVERS OF RECENT WATER PRICE INCREASES IN SEQ'

This recent report commissioned by the Local Government Association of Qld (LGAQ) highlights the damage yet to be caused by the Water Reform decisions forced upon Redland City residents.

See the full report here

THE ARGUMENTS

1. WHO ASKED FOR WATER REFORM?

The arguments being fuelled never truly expose the fact that the South East Queensland Water (Restructuring) Act 2007 was the brain wave of the State Government; Redland Shire Council certainly never asked for it. I opposed the reform from its inception and argued strenuously on numerous occasions both in this and the past term of Council, that we (Council) were not fighting the issue hard enough on behalf of our community.

This is what the purpose of water reform is supposed to deliver: Another irony!

South East Queensland Water (Restructuring) Act 2007

s.3 - Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to facilitate a restructure of the water industry in south east Queensland to deliver significant benefits to the community, including—

(a) improved regional coordination and management of water supply; and

(b) more efficient delivery of water services; and

(c) enhanced customer service for water consumers; and

(d) a clearer accountability framework for water supply security.

Click on the link to the Act here

My frustrations drove me to collecting community sentiment through my own petition both electronically and in hard copy. Interestingly, a response to this petition was NEVER received by me or tabled in Parliament by the State Government.

The petition stated;

“The petition of electors of the Divisions of Capalaba, Redlands, Cleveland draws to the attention of the House - Redland Shire residents and ratepayers believe we are uniquely different to other local authorities and in current proposals by the Qld Water Commission and the Qld State Government this has not been adequately recognised. We should not be required to pay for water security we have already paid for. 

Your petitioners therefore request the House to consider that the proposed concessions of delayed connection to Redlands water supply does not fairly compensate Redlands community for their initial $27 million (in historic value terms) of water security already paid for at the expense of other services and infrastructure.”

See the electronic petition in full here

2. COUNCIL’S GOT WHAT THEY ASKED FOR!

The State Government stated that Councils have got what they asked for. The only factor the Council of Mayors asked for was three distribution/retail entities rather that the State's proposal of one distribution entity. This does not mean they asked for the water reform.

I never felt comfortable with this move and questioned the fact that this represented tripling the cost of administrative systems and bureaucracy.

Not surprisingly, the State Government did a back flip, gave the Council’s what they negotiated and an opportunity forever more to say “ They got what they wanted.”

3. REDLAND CITY HAS BEEN COMPENSATED?

There is an argument that Redland City Council was adequately compensated with $83million for its water assets. Considering that State Government clearly understood the cost of building brand new infrastructure such as desalination plants and pipe networks – it seems obvious that water infrastructure owned by Redland City in 2007, and costing $27million 40 years ago, would be worth considerably more than this in today's dollars. My estimate is that brand new infrastructure and land to duplicate these water assets (if built in 2007) would have cost in excess of $600million.

4. SHOW US YOUR PRICE PATH AND WE WILL SHOW YOU OURS

The latest rhetoric from the State Treasurer Andrew Fraser is that the Council owned retail entities should be transparent and show their price path for water through to 2017. The problem is that for any commercial entity to forecast their prices they need to have guaranteed cost of their product. So when the State “guarantees” their price path for water through to 2017, perhaps the Council owned retail entities can do the same.

Unfortunately, the State has legislated these entities to have Boards of Directors who ultimately make these decisions not Council. As the smallest stakeholder, Redlands participation agreement and equity in the retail entity Allconnex will deliver little weight to these decisions.

Another point NEVER mentioned is that legislation allows for the Qld Competition Authority to determine water prices after 2013, which seems to undermine Andrew Fraser's insistence that Council declare their water pricing to 2017.

5. COUNCILS ARE THE ONLY LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT PROFITING FROM WATER

It is true that Council's profit from water. No surprise really – they always have to offset the rates. The fact remains that Redland City Council would have offset rates by an extra $10million this year if they still controlled water. So “profits” are down, council rates are up and water bills have increased even more.

IN SUMMARY

It is not rocket science, extra levels of bureaucracy are going to inflate the cost of water to our community. Previously, Council collected, treated and distributed water to our community through one entity - Redlands Water.

Due to the State Government's legislation on water reform, the community is now forced to fund five extra entities of bureaucracy - Qld Water Commission, WaterSecure, Linkwater, the Water Grid Manager and Allconnex.

Against the communities wishes demonstrated in the aforementioned petition, community equity has been diminished, water revenue has decreased (increasing the pressure on Council's General Rate) and decision making on the future of Redland's water has been unscrupulously stolen from the our community.

Redland City Council should not be sitting back and accepting this incredulous spin promulgated by the State Government and start to defend our community in relation to this additional increase on our cost of living.

Toondah Harbour Land Finally Acquired

In August,  I wrote on this blog about the importance of acquiring foreshore land in Redland City and specifically referred to land belonging to CSIRO at Toondah Harbour that it was proposing to sell. Click here for original blog.

Not long after posting this information, the Mayor organised a workshop to discuss the acquisition of this land that I referred to.  I am pleased to report that one parcel of this land has now been purchased by Council.

With this land in community ownership, it is now critical that Council, as the planning authority and a stakeholder, creates a balanced vision for this area that will encourage tourism, deliver a world class transport hub and allow greater foreshore access to the public.  The vision must be economically viable, sustainable and most importantly deliverable.  It will require good relationships with other stakeholders and in particular State Government and business.

We now look forward to quick and decisive actions to ensure the vision turns into reality.

Council Refuses To Publicly Review Koala Strategy Spending

At the previous Planning & Policy Committee Meeting, I publicly requested a review of all expenditure allocated to Council's Koala Strategy in the General Business section of the meeting agenda.

This formal request to review all expenditure was voted down by the majority of Councillors.

http://web01.redland.qld.gov.au/robo/Minutes_Agendas/July_Sept10/MinutesAndAgendasJuly-September_2010.htm

This was driven by significant concern from members of our community on recent spending including LED koala signs, questionable acquisition of land for environmental reasons, the cost of funding koala social media and the new “www.koala central.com.au” website which should be funded from multiple agencies across the nation, not just Redland City ratepayers. 

Most people, like me, want to see an effort made in protecting the koala. The debate should not be whether we save the koala and whose fault it is that the numbers are declining. Rather, the discussion should be how we can sustainably and realistically protect the koala. Roads, houses, dogs, and disease are not going to mysteriously disappear unless we are ALL happy to pack up, leave our cars and houses behind and move to Logan or the Gold Coast. Is the very promotion of the “urban koala” an oxymoron that will further add to its demise?  This is the type of question that we need to ask and debate.

The debate should not centre around saving the koala at the expense of all other community priorities. For instance, the recent $12000 Koala Hedonic Property Study tells us our properties are worth more if we have sighted a koala nearby. How does this protect the species? How does this rate higher than an Hedonic study for Redland properties that don't have access to reasonable infrastructure? Instead, we need a common sense and balanced approach on how we protect the koala in line with the other community priorities.

We should not be spending money just for the sake of spending money. It is time to assess the situation, look at all the options and stop the blame game that further divides our community and apply some common sense. We should not continue to allow the plight of the koala to further divide Council and the community.

Definition of "HEDONICS" - noun - the branch of psychology that deals with pleasurable and unpleasurable states of consciousness.