On the 28th February, I submitted my completed candidate questionnaire regarding Lake Hugh Muntz to CARE Group, the community advocacy group who are informing residents of Lake Hugh Muntz updates.
I have been contacted by several residents whom have advised me that they did not receive my response to Care Group so to avoid people missing out on important information, before they cast their vote, I am publishing my response here for residents to read.
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Lake Hugh Muntz Care Group
Dear LHM Care Group Committee,
Firstly, thank you for your email concerning the health of Lake Hugh Muntz.
Following a well-attended community meeting I instigated on the 23rd February at the lake, I was pleased by the public’s commitment to finding a solution to the lake’s problems. The positive feedback of the residents’ concerns just proved to me that my proactive stance is just what the lake citizens have been waiting for. A solid committed voice in Council to represent them.
All residents I spoke to at this gathering were well aware of the complexity and the difficulties that have arisen when attempting different solutions in addressing the lake’s vexing problems.
The same can be said of the citizens I have spoken to over the preceding months. Of the 100 plus hours I have invested seeking answers for residents, the overriding theme we all agreed upon is that only limited success has been achieved in returning the lake to its former health and, given the timeline, public confidence has been lost in both the sitting Councillor and Council.
In order to have a better understanding of the complexities facing Lake Hugh Muntz’s rejuvenation I requested a meeting with senior Council officials, which took place this month. These discussions centred on the historical timeline, past attempts to fix the lake’s problems, then moved on to forward planning and budget.
What may not be well known is Gold Coast City Council has funded a comprehensive Griffith University study, engaging world-renowned experts, so as to identify the existing condition of the lake and propose practical solutions to assist in the lake’s rehabilitation. Council is waiting for this in-depth report to be completed so they can proceed with confidence. It would be totally remiss of me at this time to offer solutions, and further suggest I have the answers, without factoring in the findings from Griffith University by world experts. I do not believe it is in the best interest of the community to make unfounded promises, but I will be guided by world leading experts until a solution is found.
I believe what you are proposing from Division 12 candidates has now been superseded by the commissioning of this study. I also question the very tight timeframe you propose in your letter given the complexity of this issue.
If you require further assistance on understanding my position I am more than happy to address your group.
What I will do and commit to, as your next Councillor is to demand comprehensive funding to support both the research findings and secure funding for the rejuvenation work recommended from this research. To date this hasn’t happened to any great extent. Without proper funding, whatever I, or other candidates say, would be just hot air. I have worked so hard to get answers for our suburb and will continue to be a thorn in the side of council until this problem is resolved. My stance ensures residents have a very real, unequivocal voice in council.
I am the only candidate who has a proven track record for commitment and ongoing support to the community in this matter. Lake Hugh Muntz residents deserve better, and I am committed to delivering that; I will fight hard to advocate for the best possible outcome, just as I did in negotiations with the Federal Government and a Corporation that delivered restrictions that benefit 200,000 plus residents today from unnecessary noise pollution and loss of amenity.
Yours faithfully,
Cathy Osborne
Candidate for Division 12
