Friday, 18 March 2011
MEDIA RELEASE
Encouraging signs for the future – Isaac’s community speaks up

Comments, voting and the return of the recently released surveys in relation to Isaac Regional Council’s initiative Adaptable Communities are continuing to arrive and inform the process.

Mayor of the Region Cedric Marshall said that the expansion of mining communities is a critical 21st century issue for the region.

‘The initiative has been conceived to ensure the community voice is heard through the correct channels and through the procedures which the government demands.

‘The final document will be used to put pressure on decision-makers whilst at the same time showing a way forward for the region.’

As public input into the process has begun to finalise this week, lead architect Graham Ledgerton, Architectural Director for ThomsonAdsett, has played a pivotal role in framing community input into tangible designs for community consideration for accommodation models for the non-resident workers.

He said the Isaac community deserve commendation for their focus to achieving workable outcomes for the region’s future.

‘We have worked collaboratively to frame and develop six initial concepts which form the backbone of the community consultation process.

‘It has been very clear that from day one the process has been about choice, sustainability and family: choice for the community and the residents and choice for the non resident workers.

‘Sustainability in terms of buildings which  offer permanency and life cycle cost benefits and most importantly developments which cater for the diverse needs of individuals, families and community living.

‘Developments today can have a positive impact on these communities and help to promote a more sustainable future.’

‘Through the implementation of good design principles, which are informed by individual and community needs, we can future proof these regions and communities  whilst providing appropriate lifestyle choices for the people of Moranbah and the Isaac region,’ he said.

As part of the program, residents and interested parties have been asked to express their preferred concept via the web site, postal voting or at consultation hubs around the town.

Graham adds: ‘Spending time in the region and listening to the community has exposed the need for a diversity of accommodation types.

Voting continues until this weekend with the hotline (4941 4529) remaining open until Friday, and the web site active across the weekend.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Isaac Regional Council CEO Mark Crawley              07 4941 4500
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Cedric Marshall        07 4941 4500
Isaac Regional Council PR & Media Officer              0437 295 910

This media release was issued on 18 March 2011.

COMMUNITY WAITS AS PROBLEMS GROW

An explosion in alcohol and drug addiction across the state of Queensland, in particular in booming metropolitan areas has prompted calls for urgent government attention.

John Close, CEO of Brisbane based recovery centre Goori House, says there are problems facing the Queensland community.

“These are a range of alcohol and drug issues across the majority of metropolitan areas of Queensland. ”

“Areas such as, Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton, all the way to the upper class inner city suburbs of Brisbane out to the Gold and Sunshine coasts and Brisbane’s outer regions such as Logan and Ipswich. We are facing a wide spread problem, an almost unnoticed or unspoken epidemic that is eating away at the heart and soul of our state.”

Mr. Close says that all levels of Government need to fund and support the implementation strategies which have a specific focus, in order to be effective.

“What we are dealing with here does not have a one size fits all, quick fix solution. There is a particular degree of difficulty in tackling these issues head on, and this is why we see government officials at all levels shying away from the real issues at hand.”

Mr. Close says a program specifically designed for female recovery is a prime example of targeted strategy which seeks to provide real and effective resolution to substance abuse issues amongst women.

“The increase in alcohol and substance abuse amongst women of all ages is a real concern. We no longer have you typical homeless drunk roaming the streets or a young female from the wrong side of the tracks with a chemical addiction, what are seeing are suburban mothers, intoxicated picking their children up from school or young professional women visiting their inner city drug dealer on their lunch break. ”

Mr Close says that a unique approach for females is a necessity as the issues affecting their addiction can differ so dramatically from that of males”

“In the past decade we have witnessed an explosion in the number of females who are suffering drug and alcohol addiction problems. From young women who spend their weekends binge drinking to mothers with small children at home, to workers and executives. The problem, of the mis-use of alcohol and drugs is now just as rife amongst females as it with males”

Mr. Close says that governments have, in the past focused on the male and the community as a whole forgets that the woman next door could have a seriously deep held secret.

“These days females are very much their own person. They face, in most cases, as many challenges on a daily basis as males and then some. If, for example, a female is working mother she has the added pressures of work stress and family issues. Females who need assistance can become more destructive to the family unit than that a male alcoholic or drug user.”

Mr. Close says it is not surprising that there has been a sharp rise in the number of females who are turning to drug and alcohol usage.

“We expect females to be a worker, a companion, a mother and the shoulder to cry on. Perhaps we forget their needs and it is easy for them to turn to alternatives.”

Mr. Close is calling on the local, state and federal Government’s  to honor several past commitment’s to the people of Queensland, especially helping those who need to be trained and adequately prepared for working the front line of this growing problem.

Mr. Close says the issue of alcohol and drug abuse and dependence is wide spread – requiring an effective intervention approach and essential training.

“We will continue to liaise with the community to ensure outcomes and solutions that provide a win win for everyone.

-ENDS-

For further information

Contact:
Mr John Close
Director
0438 217 646

TIME TO GET WATERWISE

Redland City Council is being pushed to join with Gold Coast Council and refuse to allow the region water provider to implement a massive hike to water rates.

Mayoral Candidate for Redland City Karen Williams says the Council has one last opportunity to prove it has the interests of ratepayers at heart.

“Council meets this Wednesday and the AllConnex debate is again on the table. I’m urging all Councillors to ensure we make it clear to Allconnex it’s time for a re-think. Clearly a water price hike of up to 14% is unwarranted. It’s time for more lateral thinking and honesty on water and frankly Mayor Melva Hobson and her click need to stop thinking about the money and think about the people.”

Councillor Williams, an avid campaigner against the Water Reform imposed on SEQ Councils, is also calling on Logan City to insist Allconnex take a more realistic view.

“This is Mayor Melva’s last chance to gain credibility on the water issue. You only have to look at her 10Year Financial Strategy to see how dependent she has become on water revenue. The Mayor and her supporters need to understand that water is not a commodity.”

Councillor Williams says, “The Mayor seems to have forgotten that the provision of clean water to a community is the essence of government.

It is because of the provision of services like this that Local Government exists. It is vital to public health, vital for existence and instead of doing the job; we are pricing water as if it was beer. It’s just not right.”

Councillor Williams has been pushing to have the complex and unworkable water system changed.

‘This process has been unworkable for Redland City, remains unworkable for Redland City and will continue to cause heartache for rate payers. In a city where Council has let rates spiral out of control they are now turning to water to establish a money flow which pays for their off the planet fringe programs. Redlands residents will not only be broke, we’ll be thirsty.”

Councillor Williams has again repeated her calls for Redland City to lead a charge to unscramble the complex water system.

‘When I raised this in Council last month, I was howled down. The new Leader of the LNP, Campbell Newman, is advocating return of water assets and pricing to Local Government. It can be done and indeed we have a moral obligation to provide water to a community. It is fundamental of Government.”

Councillor Williams says ensuring a clean affordable water supply is not negotiable.

It’s a basic. Not a service about which we can argue the toss on price. I’m deeply concerned that Mayor Melva and the MELVA All stars will simply continue to bury themselves in letter writing and committees at this week’s meeting instead of showing some back bone and demanding an Allconnex re-think.”

“We are now the AllConnex tax collectors. I’m urging Council to vote to refuse to collect fees until a more realistic approach is developed. If that means getting legislation changed – then let’s get on with it.  I’m urging Redland City Councillors to get serious about the delivery of this most basic of Government services.”

Councillor Williams says it is time for the blame game to stop.

All that has resulted from the State’s Water Reform has been the creation of huge and costly bureaucracies, enabled by the flashing of packets of cash to some local Councils and now our residents and ratepayers are left to pick up the bill.”

“This is not as complex as the greedy bureaucrats and Councillors make out. It worked before, it can work again and it must be sorted out once and for all. My message to Mayor Melva is quite clear. For the good of our community, give us a drink of water please. You are the Mayor – show some leadership. This is the most basic of basic services a Council can provide and you’re allowing it to be washed away!”

Further information:          Bronwyn Hope – 0413 018 457