Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has thrown her support behind a Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) joint proposal to the Federal Government for a City Deal.
The Transforming SEQ proposal – announced by Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad and Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair Cr Graham Quirk today (Tuesday 12 February 2019) – calls on the Federal Government to enter into negotiations for a long-term City Deal to deliver better connectivity, more liveability and more jobs in the region.
Cr Williams said the Council of Mayors (SEQ) – of which she is an executive member – had been investigating the application of the City Deal model since 2013 as a way to ensure the long-term and coordinated delivery of infrastructure and supporting programs across the region.
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“An SEQ City Deal would see the state and federal governments sign a long-term commitment with the Council of Mayors (SEQ) to deliver the projects needed across the region, providing security for our residents that the projects will be delivered even if governments change,” Cr Williams said.
“Redlands Coast would benefit greatly from a SEQ City Deal, with the potential to deliver better outcomes on the locally important issues of transport infrastructure, internet/mobile connectivity, health, and small business and innovation.
“My number one priority is Redlands Coast and I will always continue to represent our local interests.
“Using the power of all SEQ councils means we have the power to negotiate what would be a region-shaping deal for all SEQ communities.
“Some of the issues we are facing – such as the urgently needed Eastern Busway and Cleveland rail line duplication – demand a regional approach because they cross Council boundaries and require significant financial and infrastructure commitments.
“I believe south-east Queensland has a strong case for a City Deal, which would facilitate better collaboration between all three tiers of government and private enterprise.
“With a Federal election looming, the timing is right for the Council of Mayors (SEQ) to put this regional proposal forward and ask the Australian Government to begin formal negotiations to deliver an SEQ City Deal.”
“The announcement of the City Deal proposition follows Council recently urging all candidates for the seat of Bowman to support an advocacy document prepared by Council in the lead-up to the 2019 Federal election.”
The Transforming SEQ proposal is available on the SEQ Council of Mayor’s website:
https://seqmayors.qld.gov.au/initiatives/tLAdT8gpRDYncj1h72EQ
