In this Council election campaign we see two types of deliberate deception. Most obvious is the attempt by supporters of greedy developers to portray the community-backed independent candidates as “Green/Labour” while hiding their own political affiliations. They claim to be “conservative,” but what are they intending to conserve by building massive new housing suburbs and infrastructure like roads and dams to support these over-developments?
If we become part of the Gold Coast conurbation the environment we cherish and our current lifestyles would be adversely affected. Tweed’s existing ratepayers would pay dearly for infrastructure and on-going maintenance for large new housing developments. Jobs? Maybe a few to start building, but where will the residents of the new housing tracts find work? We will be left with having to find the money to build schools, hospitals and other services while dealing with the social problems of overcrowding, unemployment and traffic congestion. Why would the developers care? They don’t live here.
The other furphy is less apparent: the current Council has a policy of secrecy and does not trust the public to know what they are doing. Among recent examples are plans to sell off land that Council owns: public land. { One current Councillor told the media that the public would be informed after the process was “finalised!” These same Councillors wasted untold ratepayers dollars supporting unpopular events like the Repco Rally and then “wrote off”a $126, 372.83 debt owed by the car racers at their last Council meeting, the same Councillors who now say they want to cut unnecessary spending and “return to basics.” }
The fact that it was kept “confidential” highlights exactly what TSC needs to get away from. The people should be consulted, honestly and not treated as ”morons.”
We need new people on Council who will bring back transparency in public decision-making. Let’s start with honesty. Not one of the Tweed Respect team candidates belongs to a political party. How about the so-called “conservatives” declaring their party loyalties?
Finally, what are we supposed to fear from a Council with a progressive majority? Perhaps more respectful ways of dealing with our society, our money and our environment. We can have eco-friendly development and a sustainable lifestyle. Is that so scary?
Scott Sledge
Tweed Respect candidate
Kingscliff
