Baffle Creek regional boundary realignment

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Anthony Bridges
230 Lindy Drive
RULES BEACH QLD 4674
Total Signatures - 44
Sponsoring Member: Stephen Bennett MP
Posting Date: 25/8/2016
Closing Date: 31/10/2016
Tabled Date: 1/11/2016
Responded By: Hon Jackie Trad MP on 17/11/2016
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the lack of connection with Gladstone Region of the residents of Rules Beach, Baffle Creek and surrounding areas. Local residents have strong historical links with Bundaberg, but were amalgamated into the Gladstone Region Council. Residents and landowners seek realignment of the Baffle Creek district into Bundaberg Regional Council. The local population travel to Bundaberg for food, services, medical assistance, hospitalisation, Federal and State Government services, train and air travel, meetings with their local State Member of Parliament and both private and special school enrolments. Residents believe a decline in their vibrant tourism and business activity can be traced to the amalgamation process into Gladstone and loss of connectivity with the Bundaberg-based regional council. Tourism promotion links with Bundaberg were lost in the amalgamation, and declining tourist visits resulted. Residents believe the focus on Gladstone as a port and business hub has no connection to Baffle Creek's significant natural and pristine features.

 

Your petitioners therefore request the House to conduct a consultation with affected residents and regional councils to determine support for a boundary realignment that would move the present boundary between Bundaberg and Gladstone Regions north to the southern fringe of Deepwater National Park.