CAPALABA’S community is facing some pressing issues, and Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges is at the forefront of advocating for change.
Among her top priorities is the need for significant upgrades to John Fredrick Park, home to the area’s premier youth and skate park.
“It is fair to say that the word ‘premier’ was valid 20 years ago,” Cr Huges said.
“Today it is well overdue for a facelift, additional infrastructure and major capital works, especially with regard to the skate bowl itself.”
However, with the precinct renewal not expected to be completed for several years, Cr Huges is advocating for the upgrades to be fast-tracked to address the urgent need sooner.
Cr Huges passion also extends to the heart of Capalaba’s sporting community, emphasising the critical need for upgraded lighting at the Capalaba Junior Rugby League Club.
“It is deeply distressing for the hundreds of players and supporters who understand the criticality of having lights to train and play a game of footy under,” she said.
“Simply, without upgraded lighting, the club will struggle to survive.”
Despite these challenges, Cr Huges said she was excited about the upcoming developments that will transform Capalaba.
Among these is the much-anticipated Capalaba Revitalisation project, which will bring a vibrant new open space and restaurant precinct.
“For me the new library is an exciting addition that awaits us all,” Cr Huges said.
“Our Capalaba Library will take us to the next level, it will be so much more than just borrowing a book, the future of our new library will be open and accessible for everyone to grow and learn with.”
Cr Huges named transport as one of the community’s biggest challenges.
“As our city grows travel time and car parking has become a major bone of contention for everyone lucky enough to drive a vehicle,” she said.
“For those without that luxury our city is neigh on impossible to navigate, going in any direction on public transport becomes a logistical nightmare.”
Cr Huges explained that transport is a shared responsibility among all levels of government, with limited budgets, long project timelines, and substantial cost overruns, and as a small city, Redlands competes for funding both regionally and statewide.
