State election candidates tell us what they would do to help Wynnum Central

We recently asked all of the candidates for the Lytton electorate the following two questions about Wynnum Central…

1. Assuming – like the majority of Wynnum residents – that you would like to see a rejuvenated retail environment in Wynnum Central, what do you think needs to be done to achieve this?
2. If you are elected to Parliament, how could you/would you be able to help in the process of revitalising Wynnum?

We received the following answers from Joan Pease (ALP and sitting member) and Greens candidate Ken Austin…

Joan Pease (ALP)

1) Assuming – like the majority of Wynnum residents – that you would like to see a rejuvenated retail environment in Wynnum Central, what do you think needs to be done to achieve this?

The first thing is to continue reviving the Qld economy. The Palaszczuk Government has led the recovery of the Queensland economy, resulting in unemployment falling from 8 per cent under the LNP to 6 per cent now (5.9 per cent trend). That is more people in jobs, more people with money to spend locally and more businesses confident enough to put on workers.

The NAB Monthly Business Survey for July has Queensland leading mainland Australia on business confidence at +13.

Labor will continue with the Advancing Small Business Strategy, which has provided more than 700 grants to small businesses. These grants can help businesses to grow, through coaching and advice, innovation support and mentoring.

We have also committed to continuing the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, which is connecting businesses with young or long-term unemployed workers ready with the skills they need to succeed.

Continued investment in tourism, including attracting more direct flights and cruise ships to Brisbane, will grow the market for retail businesses that cater to visitors and grow our Bayside economy.

2) If you are elected to Parliament, how could you/would you be able to help in the process of revitalising Wynnum?

Well that process has already begun. Health, education and transport are the basis of a vibrant community and we have our new community health centre, Gundu Pa, great state funded public schools attracting people to the area and fairer fares making public transport an affordable and attractive option.

I have always been a passionate advocate for Wynnum and the entire electorate of Lytton. I am also passionate about bringing people together to work on the common issues that confront us. As your voice within the Palaszczuk Government, I will continue to push Wynnum’s case and help local businesses and other community organisations in their fight for the resources, infrastructure and attention the area needs.

This includes promoting the wonderful Bayside and all that it has to offer including tourism and community opportunities and promoting the “Go Local Grow Local” campaign.  I will continue to acknowledge the many great local businesses in our area through my Bayside Business of the Month and to work with business and industry representative groups.

Ken Austin (Greens) – in answer to both questions

A tax on vacant commercial properties to encourage reasonable lease terms for small business and improved public and foot transport options would be a good start for rejuvenating Wynnum Central, but broader economic reform to raise wages and general prosperity will be needed.

Wynnum would be a beneficiary of our policies to return planning power to local communities, providing affordable housing and stable tenancy rights for renters allowing them to put down roots in our community. Local industries would be able to hire more workers when power prices are bought down by re-nationalizing the energy retailers. In addition ending coal transport through our suburbs will make for healthier homes.

The One Nation candidate contacted us to let us know she would not have the time to answer our questions. We did not hear back at all from the LNP candidate.

Although we only have 31 responses to our poll (which is still live – feel free to let us know who you are voting for), this is the current prediction…

ALP (Labor) 45.16%
LNP 22.58%
One Nation 19.35%
Greens 12.9%

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or on our Facebook page.