Dear Neighbours,

It’s been an amazingly active period across the Ward and City Hall. As we move closer to summer and the festive season, I’m reminded constantly of the importance of our family, friends and communities. 

The inner southside is an incredibly active and politically aware community, something I am constantly reminded of through my daily meetings, events and activities; I'm buoyed, inspired and energised by our community power in action. Together our collective action can not only deliver changes big and small, locally and citywide, but also be a point of strength as we work in solidarity. 

Like many others I am wracked with grief and anger at the ongoing genocide being waged against the Palestinian people in Gaza. International solidarity was key to ending apartheid in South Africa and is an important part of the fight for a ceasefire today. So if you can, please join me this Sunday at 2pm in King George Square to call for an end to the genocide in Gaza.

Developer cuts passed in Council

On Tuesday, 31 October, the LNP administration passed massive reductions to the infrastructure contributions developers are required to pay. These contributions provide funding for the Council to deliver new parks, park upgrades, dog parks, active transport routes, drainage, sewerage, and road intersection upgrades, corridor road improvements and more. All the LNP and ALP Councillors voted yes. The Independent Councillor for Tennyson abstained, and I was the only Councillor to vote NO to tax cuts for developers.

The tax cuts for developers are as follows:

• 75% discount for developments approved 1 January 2022 - 30 August 2023
• 50% discount for developments approved 1 September - 30 June 2025
• 100% discount for Community Housing from 1 January 2022 onwards.

In my public statement during the debate I made clear I support discounts for Community Housing Providers (CHP). CHPs are dependent on state government grants to build. In fact, earlier this year I used my budget address to call for a massive increase in local funding for CHPs, up from a meagre $1.335 million allocated in the 2023/24 financial year.

These unprecedented tax breaks for developers and suspension of the city plan in Kurilpa (with more in the pipeline) will unleash free-for-all privatised development, leaving communities without a say and our city worse off. The primary benefactors of the tax breaks will be big developers who will receive hundreds of millions of dollars over the next few years, while communities all over the city will lose from the significant reduction in developer infrastructure contributions. 

We know that privatised housing supply by itself will not solve this housing crisis or improve conditions for renters. We need governments of every level to step up, commit to building public social housing and mandate housing affordability measures within their housing policy. This is why, earlier this week, the Greens announced an initiative to freeze rent increases as part of our Housing Justice platform for the March 2024 Brisbane City Council election. This policy would see rent increases frozen for 2 years, to let wages catch up and give renters meaningful relief. 

In the meantime I'll continue to fight for developers' to pay their fair share and for governments of every level to commit to building public housing and mandate affordable housing. 

Victoria Bridge Shade Sails

One of the first projects delayed after the Lord Mayor’s announcement of a $400 million budget black hole was the Victoria Bridget shade sails. A critical active transport route, particularly for pedestrians, Victoria Bridge is an invaluable connection between the twin centres of activity in Brisbane - South Brisbane and the CBD. There has been outcry from residents across the city, particularly walking and cycling advocacy  groups and health organisations. 

Much of the work to ensure shade sails are placed on Victoria Bridge has already been done, with assessment, concept design and the reinforcement of the existing structure already completed. With hot harsh summers and heat waves expected and Queensland having the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, it is important that the LNP administration reverse its decision. We need a commitment to completing the installation of Victoria Bridge shade now! 

If you agree with me, please sign this petition I am supporting from Wendy Aghdam, the Greens Candidate for Central Ward 

Meanjin Reggae Festival 

Brisbane's best, free Reggae and Urban music festival returns for its 4th year to Musgrave Park! This year's celebration of sound system culture features 3 hand built sound systems, a live stage, a community corner centred around the Radical Futures Lounge, food, market stalls and more!

This FREE family-friendly event features some of Australia’s favourite sound systems, selectors, bands and MCs. Running from 10 am - 6pm, join in the grassroots celebration of Reggae music, life and our community! 

Homeless connect drive!

I want to thank residents and local businesses who dropped off much needed supplies of food and non perishable items to the Gabba Ward office during our drive for Homelessness Connect. We received roughly 20kg of donations that have since been distributed to rough-sleepers and people at risk of homelessness. 

If you have the means to contribute there are community pantries and grassroots organisations across the ward that receive donations all year round:

• West End Community Pantry: 4 Norfolk Rd, South Brisbane QLD 4101
• Hope Street Community Pantry: 170 Boundary Street South Brisbane 
• Feeding 4101: https://facebook.com/feeding4101/
• Community Friends: https://emmanuelcitymission.com/ 
• Emmanuel City Mission: https://emmanuelcitymission.com/ 

THRIVE: Towards a Vibrant & Connected Inner-City for All

Our Ward wide consultation continues! Join us this weekend at VHS Coffee Co in Woolloongabba on Saturday for our interactive workshop (1-3pm) or at the Meanjin Reggae festival for our Thrive Pop Up anytime between 12pm - 3pm!  

If you are unable to join us in person, I invite you to complete this online survey so you can have your say on how to make our inner-city communities Thrive

New plantings struggling

Like myself, some residents have noticed that our unseasonably hot winter and spring have left new plantings struggling to mature and take root. In recent weeks I have prompted Council to water and maintain struggling plantings across the ward. So if you notice planting in your area please:

• Report it to Council via their 24/7 hotline (07 3403 8888) or online reporting.
• Help out by watering them yourself.

If you’re having trouble reporting directly to Council, you can always email us at the Gabba Ward ([email protected]).

Rally to Stop the Gabba Demolition

Wasting at least $2.7 million, state Labor’s planned demolition of the Gabba Stadium will result in 3 inner city suburbs losing their public school and destroy precious green space for inner city communities. 

On November 25, I will join residents, parents, family and community members across Brisbane to make a stand. I hope you’ll join us!