Lone runner has grand plans for pet projects
SOLE Division 5 candidate Peter Young believes there’s “no point wasting time” after revealing a list of the region’s most important projects.
Cr Young, the only councillor to run unopposed in the 2020 election, has listed almost two dozen projects he plans to focus on in the coming year.
The Pacific Pines Hub expansion, upgrades to the Gold Coast Cycle Centre and metered signals on the Pacific Pines Blvd roundabout are among new projects he plans to push following this year’s budget discussions.
“Some of these (projects) are glaringly obvious; some of them I have raised myself because I’m in a position to know what the possibilities might be,” he said.
“There’s lots of smaller projects brought to my attention by members of the community, like improvements to sports clubs, lighting, or playground equipment.”
He said he had been “absolutely convinced” someone would nominate to run against him in the March 28 poll.
“I’d been rehearsing my reaction,” he said. “I’m very pleasantly surprised there’s no contestants because it means I can get on with preparing for the year ahead. I’ve enjoyed a very strong and favourable reaction from the community and I’m grateful for that. I don’t take anything for granted. I’m going to keep working hard.”
Disability charity Healing Hooves vice-president Marianne Whalan said the focus in the area was improving the quality of life for residents, above attracting new visitors.
“It really is an area that’s growing, there’s a lot of young and older people here,” she said.
“I think it’s important to see some growth but without taking away too much of the natural areas for development.
“We’re so close to the Hinterland but we’re just as close to the beach so we’ve kind of got the best of both worlds.”
A $43,000 headquarters building for Healing Hooves is among projects being promoted by Cr Young. Groundwork is expected to start this month. “(Cr Young) secured the funding in 2017 so it’s been an ongoing process and now it’s all starting,” Ms Whalan said.
“It’s going to be huge for us. It’s something that will enable us to offer more to the wider community, we’ll be able to be onsite for much longer during wet weather events and the evenings.”
THE SEAT
Division 5 encompasses: Mount Nathan, Clagiraba, Nerang up to the Pacific Motorway, Gaven, Pacific Pines up to Binstead Way, Maudsland, Guanaba and parts of Highland Park.
WHO LIVES THERE
● Covers 12,973ha.
● Population: 46,661; 3.60 persons per hectare.
● Women: 22,396, 51.1 per cent.
● Australian citizens: 34,790, 79.4 per cent.
● Eligible voters: 25,175, 57.5 per cent.