And it seems that Shane Rendalls, 64, of Russell Island is ready to run for Redland City Council in the next election.
He has a long string of involvements and said running for Division 5 was a logical progression from what he was already doing.
Mr Rendalls is a founding member of SMBI Permaculture group, President of the SMBI Chamber of Commerce, treasurer of Bay Islands Multi-Sport and Recreation Association and involved in Pet Emergency Transport, the Tide Festival, the Festival of Small Halls, Moonlight Cinema and in local businesses, transport and with regional development at state and federal levels.
He is also involved in the Redland Legacy Working group planning the Olympics, the Redland Coast tourism working group and board member of Regional Development Australia Logan and Redlands.
“Now it’s time for me to get a seat at the table and help with wider strategies and provide constructive resolutions,” he said.
Mr Rendalls said as a Division 5 councillor, he would be working to help not just island people but also support the 52 per cent of the division’s population on the mainland as well as advocating for all Redlands.
“My main points are to strengthen community, to protect and maintain the environment and to offer well-being to the people,” he said.
“I want this area to be a blue zone where people live longer with social support, exercise and the community.
“This comes with belonging and purpose and bringing allied health services to the island.
“We are already two-thirds of the way there.”
Mr Rendalls said he also wanted to break through the red tape to encourage more opportunities for youth and older people with TAFE and university placement.
“This might be for older people who want to or need to re-enter the workplace,” Mr Rendalls said.
He also wanted to address other issues affecting the area, including ensuring that the 2000 parking spots promised for island residents were created.
“We could look at a remote park and ride long term or getting a shopping shuttle to Victoria Point or Capalaba,” he said.
“The answer may be to provide incentives away from having cars. There are also more people who share cars.”
Mr Rendalls said he came from a background of social work with mental health and child protection services.
He moved to Russell Island in 2019 from Sydney and is now custodian of the original Jackson farm on the island.
“We are working with Indigiscapes planting trees and looking after the freshwater pond,” he said.
“We are also using the farm for organic food production while protecting the mangroves and restoring wetland and habitat.
I think the way to get things done is to work with small community groups and pull together on issues that the groups are passionate about. We can do a lot when we are committed to working together.
