Community plan adopted in 'historic' council move

from the Bayside Bulletin

BY JENNA DAROCZY
29 Apr, 2010
Future decisions made by Redland City Council are to reflect the goals and ideals embodied in the Redlands 2030 Community Plan, formally adopted by the council at Wednesday's general meeting.

After a year of community consultation and the formation of a community reference group (CRG), the document has eight ''vision outcomes'': Healthy natural environment; Green living; Embracing the Bay; Quandamooka Country; Wise planning and design; Supportive vibrant economy; Strong and connected communities; and Inclusive and ethical governance.

Councillor Debra Henry (Div 3) made a series of small changes, emphasising the need for sustainable population growth and affordable housing.

"This is a wonderful document that will sit above all the council's other documents and inform them, including priorities in our budget and the council's direction," Cr Henry said.

CRG members Karolyn Campbell and Genevieve Gall expressed their appreciation at the council meeting, with Ms Gall saying: "It's truly historic for the council to accept a community document to guide their decisisons, and we just hope that you run with it in every way possible."

But councillors Karen Williams (Div 9), Helen Murray (Div 10) and John Burns (Div 4) voted against adopting the plan, saying it was "unrealistic".

"I'm concerned there wasn't robust discussion of how we are going to fund these great ideas," Cr Williams said.

"I think it's a wonderful vision, it's Utopia and I'd like to live in this vision, but if I support it, am I living in reality?" Cr Murray said.

Mayor Melva Hobson missed the meeting as she was at an LGAQ conference, but welcomed the directional document for council decisions, saying it is "the blueprint for what our community wants the Redlands to be like in 20 years".

The State Government now requires all councils to develop a community plan.