From the President…..
Hello everyone,
One quarter through the year already – where did the time go? Congratulations this month to the SPADEwerx team. I thoroughly enjoyed their latest theatre production at the Farmers Hall, made even more special knowing that the three plays presented were all written by local playwrights.
Our members meeting held on 18 March was very well attended, with a lot of emotion and interest around local planning and development matters. Here are some snippets from discussions.
Samford Progress updates
- Main and Junction Streets DA – The objection to the proposed large commercial development at the roundabout was finally heard in the Planning and Environment Court over an exhaustive five full days (9-13 March). Arguments for and against the development covered several aspects including residential impacts, the actual need for more commercial space, the interpretation of Samford’s ‘character’, and compliance with Planning Scheme performance requirements. The Judge reserved her decision to review all the evidence presented during the hearing, so it may take some time before a final decision is delivered.
- Samford Futures – Samford Progress has arranged for the re-activation of the Samford Futures website (org.au) which provides valuable visionary planning information from the ‘Samford Futures’ project undertaken by locals in 2010-2013.
- Strategic Planning Workshop – Our Management Committee is working on a Strategic Plan for Samford Progress. In part this will help ensure our Association’s activities align with its five core objectives (Pride, Protection, Representation, Promotion, and Community) as well as maintaining the longer-term viability of the association into the future.
- Hooning – Concerns were raised about the levels of car hooning and damage occurring in some locations. Council can temporarily install security camera towers to record incidents and provide evidence for investigations.
- Councillor Div 11 – Ellie Smith provided members with Council updates including current development applications and responded to questions from the membership. Ellie plans to attend our monthly meetings to keep updated about what matters to this community.
If any of these matters interest you, please feel free to contact us, or better still come along to our monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of the month, 7pm at the Samford Community Hub.
Did you Know?
The Queensland Redistribution Commission has recently released its proposed redistribution of the State’s electoral boundaries (redistribution.ecq.qld.gov.au). The electorate of Pine Rivers has only some minor changes. The Commission agreed with the sentiment of public responses received, including recommendations put forward by Nikki Boyd, Member for Pine Rivers.
Gentle reminder
Different surveys will pop up from time, seeking community views on a variety of matters. It’s often easy to ignore these surveys or leave them for ‘someone else’ to complete. The level of response is a direct indicator of a community’s interest in its future – or lack of it!
Until next month!
David Harrison (President)
Samford Progress