ALL

This week on the ABC program ‘Brisbane Drive’, Steve Austin spoke with Deputy Mayor of the city of Moreton Bay Jodie Shipway, and Director of Suburban Futures Chairman, Ross Elliot to discuss the significant population growth in the Moreton Bay region and infrastructure requirements.

The area is expected to see an increase of over 300,000 people by 2041, which is a substantial growth rate. However, there is a concern about the lack of adequate infrastructure to support this population growth, especially in terms of job opportunities. The Deputy Mayor highlighted the need for infrastructure investment to accommodate the influx of new residents, while Ross Elliott, also emphasised the need to plan for jobs, social infrastructure, and transportation to avoid future commuting challenges.

The key takeaways from these conversations are the importance of government funding and investment in a region’s infrastructure as it grows.

Application to the Glass House electorate
The Glass House electorate will be accommodating much of this growth – particularly at Caboolture West. We need to anticipate the needs of our community and act now to avoid the pitfalls that can accompany rapid expansion.

Importance of Government Funding and Infrastructure:

Population Growth: The Glass House electorate, particularly that part in the City of Moreton Bay, will experience extraordinary population growth in the coming years. Adequate government funding is essential to support this growth by providing the necessary infrastructure, including housing, healthcare, education, and transportation.

Job Opportunities: Ensuring that job opportunities are available locally is vital to reducing commuting and improving the quality of life for residents. Government investment in industries, businesses, and educational institutions can help create local employment opportunities.

Social Infrastructure: Access to quality healthcare, education, and recreational facilities should be readily available to all residents. It is incumbent upon us to ensure these services expand in proportion to our growing population. A healthy, well-educated, and engaged community is a thriving community. Adequate funding is required to build and maintain these facilities to cater to the needs of a growing population.

Transportation: Transportation infrastructure, particularly public transit, should not be overlooked. Efficient and eco-friendly mobility options are also key in preserving our natural surroundings. We must work with commonwealth and local governments to improve connectivity, whether it’s better public transport or smart road planning.

Balanced Investment: Balanced investment is the name of the game. While the major cities certainly deserve their share of resources, it’s crucial that regions like Glass House receive their fair allocation. Smaller communities often offer greater returns on investment, given our ability to make a significant impact with comparatively fewer resources. A dollar spent in Glass House goes a long way toward enhancing the quality of life for our residents.

Long-term Planning: Long-term vision should be our guiding principle, and we must plan not only for today but for the decades ahead. Anticipating challenges and opportunities, we can set the course for a prosperous and sustainable Glass House electorate that retains its unique charm and character while evolving to meet the needs of a growing population.

I am committed to working tirelessly alongside our community to secure the future we all desire for Glass House. By investing wisely in our infrastructure, we can make our vision for Glass House a reality, and I’m confident that together, we will achieve this goal.

 

Thanks for reading!

Andrew