A political war of words has erupted over community opposition to a major housing plan for Wynnum, with Brisbane City Council’s LNP administration accusing Labor of orchestrating a “fake campaign” — a claim the Opposition has strongly rejected.
Deputy Mayor Cr Fiona Cunningham alleged Labor had been “caught red-handed” manufacturing grassroots resistance to the proposed Wynnum Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan, which aims to deliver more housing in the bayside suburb.
“This morning, the person leading the campaign against our plan for more homes in the Wynnum CBD refused to rule out being a Labor Party member,” Cr Cunningham said.
“However, images show her actively rallying support against the Wynnum Precinct Plan in a private Labor Facebook group and handing out how-to-vote cards for local Labor politicians.”
Cr Cunningham said the situation pointed to a broader pattern of political behaviour.
“This is not the first time Jared Cassidy and Labor have been caught out staging fake protests,” she said.
“Labor has faked this campaign in Wynnum just like they continue to fake support for new housing right across Brisbane.
“It is disgraceful to see Labor stirring up fear and misinformation when Brisbane residents want more homes delivered.”
The Deputy Mayor said the LNP administration remained focused on increasing housing supply.
“The Schrinner Council is determined to help more homes get approved so young people can break into the market and so older residents have options to downsize,” she said.
According to the LNP, the community campaign against the plan is being led by Tarnya Lowe, who they claim has links to the Labor Party, including membership of the Brisbane Labor Action Group and involvement in past election activities.
They also referenced a previous incident involving Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy, who initially denied inviting protesters to a council meeting before later acknowledging he had done so.
However, Labor has pushed back strongly against the claims, accusing the LNP of dismissing genuine community concerns.
In a statement, Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy’s office said the criticism reflected poorly on the council’s approach to consultation.
“The LNP Lord Mayor and his LNP Councillor, Alex Givney, are the best recruiters for the Australian Labor Party right now,” a spokesperson said.
“If locals who have represented their community in front of public meetings of over 300 people choose to join the Labor party because they don’t feel listened to, that’s a positive reflection on the ALP and reveals the arrogance of the LNP.
“Does the Lord Mayor seriously believe that more than 500 people who submitted feedback on this plan are all ALP members too?”
Labor argued the scale of community engagement demonstrated authentic concern rather than political orchestration.
“It’s time that the Lord Mayor listen to the community and stop playing partisan politics on the future of the Bayside,” the spokesperson said.
The dispute comes amid broader tensions over housing density and urban renewal across Brisbane, with councils under pressure to increase supply while balancing local opposition to higher-density developments.
The Wynnum precinct proposal has attracted significant public interest, with hundreds of submissions and large community meetings highlighting both support for increased housing and concern over potential impacts on neighbourhood character and infrastructure.
