Oodgeroo MP Amanda Stoker says her first year in office has been defined by delivery, determination, and a clear focus on making the Redlands a safer, more prosperous community.
Reflecting on her first 12 months as part of the LNP Government, Ms Stoker said Queenslanders were beginning to see the benefits of a fresh start.
“A fresh start that is beginning to deliver a safer community (victims are down by over 10 per cent after a decade of climbing), better access to health services at Redland Hospital (ICU now staffed and open, a budget for a new Allied and Mental Health building with more mental health beds, an expanded transit lounge and a commitment to a local MRI) and improved local infrastructure, including for local community and sporting clubs,” she said.
Ms Stoker said one of her proudest achievements was ensuring that every one of her local election commitments was fully funded in the LNP’s first budget.
“I’m proud to say that all my local election commitments have been funded in the first LNP budget, including major upgrades to Redlands U3A, Redlands Cricket and Wellington Point Bowls Club and investments in CCTV to address hooning and anti-social behaviour in hotspots,” she said.
“That is almost unprecedented!
“I’m thrilled that our local campaign to get an MRI funded for Redland Hospital has succeeded.
“I’m also pleased to also be solving problems in our community that have persisted over the long term, like sorting out land issues for the Straddie Arts and Pottery Club that they’d been battling for seven years.”
She said her key priorities since being elected had centred on practical outcomes for Redlanders.
“Delivering improved community safety, getting better access to health services when Redlanders need it, seeking transport infrastructure investment and building our local tourism industry and broader economy to make Redlanders more prosperous,” she said.
“I’m determined to reduce local hooning.”
The former senator said she was proud of the strong start made by the Crisafulli Government but acknowledged there were still major challenges to overcome.
“There are huge challenges to deliver the ever-better infrastructure and services Redlanders need given the previous government left Queensland on track for $218 billion of debt despite record revenue,” she said.
“The way through is to grow our economy and improve the efficiency with which services are delivered, so every taxpayer dollar has higher impact.
“There are still massive challenges, such as hooning, logistical issues between the mainland and North Stradbroke Island.
“A take home lesson for people would be, that it takes more than a year of a new Government to solve ingrained problems.”
Ms Stoker said her focus in the year ahead would remain on practical results and ensuring the Redlands region continues to thrive.
“My focus has been and will continue to be making this community the very best place in Queensland in which to live, work, raise a family, start a business or retire,” she said.
She thanked local residents for their support and engagement during her first year.
“Thank you for the privilege of representing you in parliament and advocating for our community,” she said.
“I’m listening and I’m working relentlessly for you.”
