Capalaba MP Russell Field says his first year in office has been focused on delivering the “fresh start” Queenslanders voted for, with progress already underway on key local and statewide priorities.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering the fresh start Queenslanders voted for. After a decade of decline, Queenslanders finally have a government that is getting on with the job and focusing on the big issues. From youth justice reform, setting a plan for the 2032 Games, to making it easier to buy your first home by abolishing stamp duty, among other things, the Crisafulli Government is doing exactly as it promised,” Mr Field said.
Mr Field said he was proud that all his election commitments for Capalaba had been fully funded in the first government budget.
“Our government made statewide commitments to restore safety where you live, to strengthen the economy, deliver health services when you need them, and a place to call home. Here in Capalaba, I am pleased that every single one of my election commitments has been fully funded in the first Crisafulli Government budget,” he said.
He said he was maintaining regular contact with departments and stakeholders to ensure progress continued.
“Budget processes take time; however, I am meeting regularly with relevant government departments and stakeholders to monitor these projects, and I will be delighted to keep residents up to date with important developments along the way,” he said.
“I am proud to see the upcoming completion of the new amenities blocks at Birkdale South State School in coming weeks.”
Reflecting on the lessons of his first year, Mr Field said his background in the building industry had prepared him for the pace and complexity of political life.
“Working in the building industry, you need to be a fast learner, and I believe that everyone learns until the day they die. I have come into this role with a different type of life experience to the average politician; however, I believe it has positioned me well,” he said.
“There are many issues across the Redlands region and Queensland that cannot be fixed overnight, particularly with youth crime and housing availability.
“Though, I believe our government is on the right track by investing in these critical areas.”
Looking ahead, Mr Field said he would continue to advocate for police resourcing, improved transport connectivity, and better access to health services.
“My key goals and focuses include ensuring that our police are resourced to keep our community safe, greater transport connectivity, and better access to health services here in the Redlands,” he said.
“I am acutely aware of the amount of hooning that occurs locally.
“To better help our local authorities crack down on this reckless behaviour, I would like to encourage residents to make use of the new hooning reporting portal on my website.
“Projects such as the Birkdale Community Precinct are going to be a key focus, as well as ensuring that the transport infrastructure is there to keep up with growing demand ahead of the 2032 Games.
“I will also be constantly listening to locals to ensure that their concerns are heard by their government – something which was lacking under Labor during their decade in power.”
Mr Field said he was also looking forward to seeing long-awaited health infrastructure delivered.
“Likewise, I am looking forward to keeping residents updated on the MRI machine coming to Redland Hospital. This is a critical piece of health infrastructure for our community that has been a long time coming,” he said.
As he marks his first year in office, Mr Field said he remained committed to serving his constituents with energy and accessibility.
“I am grateful for every day that I have the privilege of serving as your Member for Capalaba, and it has been wonderful to meet thousands of you at my electorate office, my mobile offices, and out across the community,” he said.
“I will continue to fight on behalf of locals for the issues that matter to them.
“As always, I am happy to meet with residents about any issues that are of concern, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the community over the next three years to create an even better Capalaba.”
