By Maurice Sibelle
BRISBANE — Candidates for the Central Ward in this year's Brisbane City Council election debated local issues at a public meeting organised by the Red Hill/Paddington Residents Group here on February 27.
Greens candidate Willy Bach criticised the recent decision by the state government to revamp Lang Park, turning it into a super stadium, a move which has angered local residents because of increased noise and traffic.
Bach also focused on other local issues such as urban development, the environment and community involvement in council, all of which are being highlighted in this election.
Democratic Socialist candidate Susan Price discussed the limitations of the major parties in presenting real solutions to issues such as the urban environment, growth and the lack of control by people over decision making. Price stressed the need to build an alternative to the "Laborials", and for people to be empowered to take control over their lives and their local communities.
Liberal Party candidate Susie Coburn's speech showed the inability of her party to address important issues in this election. The Liberal Party has yet to release its policy statements with only two weeks to go until polling day. Coburn had much to say about the failings of the Labor administration, but was unable to offer any alternative.
Alderman David Hinchliffe came under fire from local residents angry about the lack of community control over developments in their area. They cited examples of developers flagrantly disregarding planning legislation and flaunting this fact in front of residents and the media.
Residents are angry that council building inspectors are giving the go-ahead for townhouse developments regardless of local concerns.
After the meeting, Susan Price told Green Left Weekly, "the lack of community control is the key issue in this election. The major parties and some minor ones too are saying to people, 'Vote for us and we'll fix it for you'. The Democratic Socialists aren't about pork-barrel politics. We want people to vote for a council where people, not politicians and the bureaucracy, have the power to control development in their areas."