Across Queensland, residents have lost control of their neighbourhoods. Here in Maiwar, unsustainable and unsuitable development in our local community is one of residents’ key concerns. Whether it’s Tricare’s multi-tower residential aged care facility in Taringa, the proposed Sunland triple-tower high-rise at the former ABC site in Toowong, the proposed mega zipline project at Mount Coot-tha, or endless new apartment blocks, locals are being shut out while big property developers do whatever they like. We can create well-designed medium density development with new public infrastructure, but  we need to take power from big developers and give it back to locals. Labor and the LNP have created planning laws that are rigged in favour of property developers and big business. We need a planning system that puts people ahead of big developer profits. You can read the full plan to restore a planning system for people, not profit here.

Less than half of Queensland's train stations are fully accessible. At Maiwar stations Taringa and Auchenflower, navigation is practically impossible for people who use a wheelchair for mobility, our ageing population who may use a walking frame, or parents with prams. Queensland Rail has a Station Accessibility Upgrade Program designed to address accessibility issues but it doesn’t include any timeframe for upgrades at Auchenflower Station, and Taringa Station isn’t mentioned at all. The Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey has already admitted defeat, and says we won't meet the 2022 deadline for compliance with federal disability standards. The missing ingredient in this scenario is political will. I’ve prepared an open letter to Minister Bailey, asking him to reverse that resignation and commit to full accessibility by the 2022 deadline. You can read the letter and add your name here. Auchenflower station upgrade submissions Auchenflower station is scheduled for upgrades, but we don’t know much about what they’ll include, or when they’ll be completed. I’ve made a submission based on my consultation with disability advocacy groups, individuals and other local organisations (which you can view on my website), and I’d encourage you to do the same - especially if you use Auchenflower station and/or have access needs which should be considered in the upgrade design. Writing a submission of your own is really easy. All you need to do is write an email to: stationsupgrade@qr.com.au 1. Start by mentioning how you're impacted by the lack of access at this station (do you live near by, do you use the station, or are you unable because of its dismal accessibility). 2. Your input on the design: any thoughts or requests for what the station should include (any particular features etc). We are particularly highlighting that the Auchenflower station upgrade design should include a mechanism to allow disability access to one of the platforms via the underpass or directly from the street, by way of a lift or other design solution, which doesn't seem to be included in the current plans. We are also highlighting that the upgrade should also include better provisions for people cycling to the station. 3. Be sure to mention that you feel more needs to be done to upgrade all stations in QLD, including the nearby Taringa Station (for which there is no upgrade plan at all). Petition Please join me in calling on the Minister to fund accessibility upgrades to meet disability standards and accepted community functionality at Taringa Station and Auchenflower Station by signing this petition. Accessibility upgrades are an investment, not a cost. Full accessibility at train stations in Maiwar, and all other stations on the QR network, is incredibly important, to ensure each and every citizen can exercise their right to engage with our broader community. Check out the video I made with visiting WA Senator Jordon Steele-John, who was shocked at the state of our stations here! Post by michaelberkman.greens.  

The Pig n Whistle Indooroopilly's application for a license for 45 pokies is out of line with what our community wants and needs. I'm calling for this application to be withdrawn, or failing that, to be rejected by the OLGR. Anyone concerned about this should make a written submission to the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation. Submissions formally closed on 13 June 2018 but the OLGR may still accept submissions. See below for some tips on writing. Submission tips: We all know the devastating effect pokies have on communities in general, but a successful submission needs to be specific. Gambling regulation expert Lorraine Cherney has prepared a useful guide for submissions which is available here.  Submissions should: 1. Be about why the Pig N Whistle in particular should not have any pokies. For example, children may be left unsupervised in the shopping centre car park while parents gamble, and it is near impossible to check such an enormous parking area. 2. Speak about the proposed location for the pokies. For example, the Pig N Whistle is close to four out of seven “gaming sensitive sites” as outlined in the Community Impact Statement guidelines, increasing the likelihood of “convenience gambling”. 3. Mention the impact the new pokies would have on you specifically. For example, do you live or work nearby? Do you or someone you know have a problem with gambling, which you think could be made worse by pokies at the Pig N Whistle? It's important we ask OLGR to reject the application entirely. Experts say that even if only a few machines are approved, it's likely the Pig N Whistle will be able to increase this number over time. You can use my submission as a guide, which you can view here.  View the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation's Community Impact Statement Guidelines here and the Pig N Whistle's Community Impact Statement here.