Heading to The Hills - Community Council Meeting on Wednesday
Published 14 November 2022
Council’s new initiative to take meetings out of the Chambers and into the community is going from strength-to-strength!
Crowd numbers tripled between Samford and Deception Bay, then doubled again in Woodford, but the biggest crowd yet turned out on Bribie Island with more than 60 locals sitting in the gallery.
Mayor Peter Flannery said he hoped The Hills District Community Council meeting on November 16 would take things to the next level.
“If we could get 100 people in the audience that’d be amazing, and it’s worth it for locals because all the Councillors and Directors will all be avialbale to meet with you,” Mayor Flannery said.
“Two schools got in quickly requesting to make presentations to Council - Albany Creek State High School and Ferny Hills State School - who’ll be speaking about what they want to see Council doing as part of our ambition to ‘Go Green As We Grow’. So I’m already excited for that!
“The Hills is a truly unique area where you can have tree-lined streets and a generous backyard despite the fact that you’re bordering Brisbane City and just a half hour bus or train ride from the CBD.
“It’s also the perfect case study of how a polycentric city can look - here there are designated CBD areas centralised around retail precincts with frequent connectivity to bus and rail services.
“It means development is focused here and development pressure is taken off suburban areas, where there are a lot of green corridors, active transport links and parkland.
“So we’re keen to talk about our submission to the ECQ about making Moreton Bay a polycentric city.”
Cr Matt Constance (Div 10) said The Hills could be a great case study for the rest of the region.
He believes greater investment in The Hills business precincts and improving the efficiency of local roads, will greatly enhance local lifestyle as our regional population grows.
“This year’s budget is about balancing the needs of people with the needs of the environment,” he said.
“We know from your feedback in the Moreton Says survey that you want Council getting the balance between development and the environment right, which is becoming a key challenge with so many interstate people wanting to move here after last year’s lockdowns.
“Council is embarking on a major program to protect koala habitats and our natural surrounds, with plans for new fauna crossings in our area in the coming years, including koala underpasses to reduce the risk of wildlife from entering the road corridors.
“As well as improving and adding to our parks and major road projects, we are also very focused on the future of our community and employment hubs.
“This Community Council meeting is a great opportunity for community groups discuss the future of the southern gateway to the Moreton Bay Region including the Hills District and Albany Creek communities and our unique balance of city and bush.
“In 2019 Council made the bold decision to strategically acquire 303 Dawson Parade for a future integrated civic centre, and while the community engagement process was interrupted by COVID work has continued on concept planning for that as well as a review of the master plan for James Drysdale Reserve.
“And after starting concept designs based on your suggestions for the redevelopment of the old Club Arana building at 303 Dawson Parade, we are now progressing this to the planning stage.
“This is a real passion project for me to create an entirely new community space in the heart of The Hills District, and a catalyst to bring more life and vibrancy and investment to our CBD.
“So I look forward to that going out for community engagement and hope lots of locals will turn out for this community meeting to talk about their vision for The Hills District, especially ahead of the Olympics in 2032.”
The Community Council meeting will be held at The Hills District Community Centre on Dawson Parade on Wednesday 16 November, near the Leslie Patrick Park All Abilities Playground.