FAIRNESS

in our fair city. That would have novelty value. Mayor Tate is seeking “fairness” re light rail funding (GCB 14/5).

Both Liberal and Labor are not currently coming to the “fair” re rail financing.

Unsurprisingly, as yet, as the former party doesn’t bother much with “grants” in a city taken for granted and the latter is under searchlight headlines for sins of omission of both.

Or perhaps parties have heard “railing” from upset residents, alongside light rail, that “performance” of council “town planning” often consists of hasty use of “green light” for development on transport corridors, accompanied by liberally interpreted density and minimal community amenity.

Meanwhile, Gold Coast citizens’ real submitted (but not submissive) formal complaints about the council’s “performance” re property amenity and vistas, public space and neighbourhood assets are referred to the State Government-appointed Office of the Independent Assessor or Minister of Local Government.

Then often shunted back to the council for decision.

This is apparently the case with Councillor Donna Gates.

She allegedly called community concerns “frivolous” re obliteration of Black Swan Lake (GCB 14/5).

It had 62 recorded bird species and bushland botanically assessed as valuable.

Destruction of this beautiful place saddened many.

Judgement of her conduct was referred back to fellow councillors.

Meanwhile, the push continues for watering down or banishment of the new State Belcarra Reforms.

These were designed to limit electioneering funding of council candidates, so that they were seen to be geared to whole of community interests, not big funding backers. “Fair” is not just sung and forgotten in our national anthem.

Australians take the word seriously. SALLY SPAIN, GOLD COAST