Queensland Election: The questions we asked the candidates and their answers

According to the Electoral Commission Queensland a huge number of voters in Queensland have already voted, however we’re guessing there are a few traditionalists out there who are leaving it until Election Day and a few others who haven’t decided yet.

This time, as we did last time around, we asked candidates two questions…

1. Assuming – like the majority of Wynnum residents – that you would like to see a rejuvenated retail environment in Wynnum Central, what do you think needs to be done to achieve this?
2. If you are elected to Parliament, how could you/would you be able to help in the process of revitalising Wynnum?

(we have added a response from the UAP candidate which came in after this article was published)

Responses

Joan Pease (Australian Labor Party)

Q: Assuming – like the majority of Wynnum residents – that you would like to see a rejuvenated retail environment in Wynnum Central, what do you think needs to be done to achieve this?
A: So much is already happening on the Bayside. For example, the new units under construction, the cinemas, café’s, restaurants, and bars. We need to support these new ventures. Buy locally, eat out locally, go to the movies and be entertained locally. We also need to support the inaugural Wynnum Fringe Festival to ensure that it returns bigger and better in 2021! I was so pleased to work with Tom Oliver and his team to see his idea come to life and I know it will become a lasting drawing card for visitors to our area, supporting local businesses and jobs. Finally, work collaboratively with all networking groups to ensure that the Bayside becomes a “Destination” for business and pleasure.

Q: If you are elected to Parliament, how could you/would you be able to help in the process of revitalising Wynnum?
A: As I have done over the past 5 years, I will continue to work with local businesses to access grants and mentoring to facilitate their growth. I will continue to support small business and trades by investing in local schools and infrastructure, encouraging the use of local trades and businesses. After opening the new Screen Queensland Studios at Hemmant – a production facility for films and TV Shows broadcast worldwide, I will continue to use my existing networks to show off the best of the Bayside and connect the production crews with local businesses to get what they need. I have got a track record of assisting local community and sports groups with the funding required to bring more services and enjoyment for locals, and I will continue to do so.

Georgia Phillips (Informed Medical Options Party)

If elected I think it would be a great idea to ask the local Wynnum community for their input on the issue and work with them. Personally working with the people who are having the experience allows me a lot more info than guessing the needs of the community.

We cannot make any financial commitments until we see what financial damage has been done by the current Labor Government?

Gordon Walters (LNP)

Gordon Walters did not give a written reply to these questions, but provided an overview of his thoughts in a brief telephone conversation with WynnumCentral. He supports…

• an airport shuttle bus service for Wynnum
• the building of a 100 bed motel in Wynnum
• the introduction of a law to discourage retail property owners from leaving their properties vacant for long periods of time

Jonathan Spaits (UAP)

Q: Assuming – like the majority of Wynnum residents – that you would like to see a rejuvenated retail environment in Wynnum Central, what do you think needs to be done to achieve this?
A: The first step is to encourage business to return and provide a greater reason for people to come and visit the CBD other than their shopping.  What has been successful in other areas are restaurants, bars and cafe’s setting up which when a few start and customers catch on feed upon themselves in terms of greater business and clientele.  Encouraging and supporting this through promotion and incentives in the first instance will expedite the process.  I see so much potential in the town centre as does everyone who knows the area and it should be in much better shape than it is.  We need to forget about why it isn’t though and just move forward collaboratively between all levels of government and support to enable this to happen.  This should also be both a bottom up and top down approach where residents and shop owners can discuss and suggest positive actions that can result in real change rather than the usual election lip service we get every 3 or 4 years.  I know many large businesses who operate in Australia and Internationally who would be keen to invest and operate in the area and if we create a platform for this to highlight the demand and opportunity this can then occur.  Finally, history always repeats so lets look to the past to see what’s been suggested, promised or actioned and has or hasn’t worked to see how we can move forward in a positive way together.

Q: If you are elected to Parliament, how could you/would you be able to help in the process of revitalising Wynnum?
A: I would firstly ensure that the area has support to fund investment and support in business including for financial incentives and broader initiatives which can encourage this to happen.  I’d work with setting up a working group of key stakeholders and set some goals and actions to achieve this.  I would also encourage investment in the area which will create jobs and growth.  Our party has strong policies to achieve this through cutting taxes and red tape, supporting families and encouraging business to invest.  In my roles over the years I have built a solid network of contacts and partners which given the opportunity would reach out to those and the many others which our local business community has to encourage collaborative investment in the region.  We are at a unique position now with COVID-19 that requires a longer term and bolder vision to enable us and our kids to thrive.

The other candidates did not respond to our email.

Voting Information

The State Election is being held on Saturday 31 October (yes – on Halloween).

 Early voting began on Monday 19 October. The polling booth in Wynnum Central is at 70 Edith Street, Wynnum (near the ‘Mates’ Steak restaurant). It is open:

Tuesday, 27th Oct 9am-9pm
Wednesday, 28th Oct 9am-6pm
Thursday, 29th Oct 9am-9pm
Friday, 30th Oct 9am-6pm

On Election Day Saturday 31st Oct the booth is open 8am-6pm.

NOTE
Joan Pease MP is a member of Wynnum Business and supporter of WynnumCentral.