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 21st 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."
