FORMER State Member for Capalaba Don Brown has accused Premier David Crisafulli of deliberately avoiding public scrutiny during a recent Cabinet visit to the Redlands, claiming residents were denied the same engagement offered to other communities.
Mr Brown pointed to the May 25 Community Cabinet in Townsville, where the Premier and his Ministers hosted a public meet-and-greet.
He said no such opportunity was afforded to Redlanders during Cabinet’s visit to the region in April.
“There was no open forum, no opportunity for residents to meet with Ministers, and no transparency,” Mr Brown said.
“It’s hard not to see this as the Premier avoiding scrutiny in a region where his government is falling short.”
He cited a string of local concerns, including a lack of infrastructure commitment for the Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area, the removal of the Redlands Whitewater Centre from infrastructure priorities, and unfulfilled promises such as free hospital parking and barge fare discounts for island residents.
Mr Brown also criticised delays to the Cleveland–Redland Bay Rd upgrade, saying the region was tired of big announcements without follow-through.
In response, State Member for Redlands Rebecca Young defended the Government’s record, saying all election commitments were on track and that she has maintained open lines of communication with the community.
“Since taking office, I’ve been committed to open, regular communication with the people of Redlands about the promises we made before the October 2024 election – and the progress we’re making to deliver them,” she said.
“Whether it’s through my fortnightly Bec’s Bulletin, community group visits, mobile offices, Chambers of Commerce, or direct calls and emails, I’m listening to locals and keeping them informed every step of the way.
“These conversations also provide an opportunity to discuss major projects across our region – like the long-overdue Cleveland–Redland Bay Rd duplication, which our government inherited from Labor after nearly five years of delay and is now finally progressing.
“I’m also continuing to engage the community on future-focused initiatives like the Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area, where we’ve committed infrastructure upfront, and the 2032 Olympic Whitewater venue – a once-in-a-generation opportunity that now officially includes a dedicated bus corridor to Capalaba thanks to the planning work of the Crisafulli Government.”
State Member for Oodgeroo Amanda Stoker also weighed in, saying the Redlands LNP team would deliver on every single one of its commitments.
“We have legislated to provide adult time for adult crimes, put the interests of victims at the heart of the criminal justice system and enhanced the diversionary and rehabilitation services for at-risk youth,” she said.
“The early evidence indicates that crime is starting to fall, though the task is far from complete.”
She said ambulance ramping at Redland Hospital had also started to fall.
“The health services Labor promised but did not fund have been secured,” she said.
“After over 1000 days of flip flops and delays, we’ve provided certainty on the Olympic delivery plan.
“Every single one of my local election commitments will be delivered within the first term of this LNP government – and some, like additional funding for Ormiston State School, are already complete.
“I’m so thankful to our community for working constructively with me to get the results that eluded the Redlands under a decade of Labor government.”
State Member for Capalaba Russell Field has hit back at recent criticism, saying Redlanders “don’t need lectures from a defeated politician about community engagement or delivery”.
“Especially not after years of broken promises, delays and political spin,” Mr Field said.
“For the first time in a long time, locals are witnessing action, and a genuine commitment to improving our rapidly growing region to meet the needs of the future.
“We will deliver on every single one of our election commitments.
“That’s what the people of Capalaba deserve – and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.”
