90 SECOND STATEMENT: LOTA HOUSE DEVELOPMENT

A proposed aged care development in Lota has united my bayside constituents like few others. I phone canvassed the area and stopped by the local Manly Markets recently. The number one issue for locals by far was the proposed Lota House development.

Lota House is a significant two-storey Queensland Heritage building that was constructed in the late 1800s. It’s surrounded by heritage listed woodland. There’s now a development application in place to build a seven-storey high-rise retirement facility on this heritage site.

A development of this height and size is simple incompatible with existing development in Lota. It will present a traffic nightmare for surrounding residents. And there are also the adverse historical and environmental impacts on the area to consider.

Every single local I’ve spoken to about the proposal have raised these objections with me. They’ve now started the Bayside Action Group to come out in force against it. It was great to meet with them last week at the site and see people power in action. It’s a testament to people power that the Lord Mayor has now said that Brisbane City Council is very concerned about the proposal.

I’ve written to the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick on this matter. I’ve asked the Minister to reject the current development application and to ask the applicants to redraft their proposal after consulting with the local community.

I look forward to updating the bayside community on this critical issue. I’d like to thank the local advocates who first brought this to my attention. Their passion and hard work to preserve the character and amenity of their suburb is admirable.

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LOCAL VETERANS TO BENEFIT FROM FUNDING FOR MANLY LOTA RSL

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said veterans and their families in the Manly-Lota area would benefit from Australian Government grant funding for a local project.

Mr Vasta said the Returned and Services League of Australia’s Manly-Lota Sub-Branch had been awarded $37,800 to install air-conditioning at its community hall in Manly under the Veteran and Community Grants program.

“By providing funding to local organisations for special projects, the Government is helping improve the lives of veterans, their families and local communities,” Mr Vasta said.

“The dedication and hard work of organisations such as Manly-Lota RSL ensure veterans and their families receive services, support and opportunities to play a bigger role in our community.
  
“Manly-Lota RSL has a well-deserved reputation for its commitment to improving the lives of those who have served our nation and these grants are another way we honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who serve in defence of our country.”

President of Manly-Lota RSL, Doug Jones welcomed the announcement.

“Air-conditioning for the hall will not only benefit the older ex-diggers, but also other citizens who use the hall. There are 27 community organisations that currently use the hall,” Mr Jones said.

“Temperatures can get quite hot inside the hall, so this will make it more comfortable for the people inside particularly the elderly.”

Ex-service and community organisations, veteran groups and private organisations that contribute to the health and welfare of the veteran community are eligible to apply for funding through the DVA Veteran and Community Grants program.

For more information about the Veteran and Community Grants program or to apply, visit the DVA website www.dva.gov.au/consultation-and-grants/grants or contact your nearest DVA office on 133 254 or 1800 555 254 from regional Australia.  

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BAYSIDE PCYC UPGRADED UNDER COALITION

The Bayside Police Citizens Youth Club in Lota and the wider community will see the benefits of $558,000 in funding towards upgrades of the local PCYC facility, as well as the upgrade of equipment for sections that currently service the local community, under a new commitment from the Turnbull Coalition Government.

Making the announcement today at Bayside PCYC, Liberal National Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said he was pleased to be able to make the commitment that would allow the organisation to carry out much-needed repairs and maintenance.

“PCYC Bayside has been helping both young people and seniors in the bayside area for 49 years and I’m proud today to be able to make this commitment to an organisation that does so much good for the community,” Mr Vasta said.

“This funding will go toward vital upgrades that will ensure the club’s future. It will also ensure community groups that make use of the facility will continue to have access to quality equipment and resources.”

Bayside PCYC branch manager Tina Bowen welcomed the funding announcement.

“For now the efforts of the committee and management is to ensure structural safety to all those utilising this facility,” Mrs Bowen said.

“Upgrades will include repairing our driveway, the installation of fans in the main gymnastics hall, the replacement of all gymnastics matting to meet current requirements, and fixing our roof which is currently leaking.”

“We will also upgrade our kitchen so that it can be used by external community groups and used for the delivery of healthy nutrition and heart smart programs. We also intend to establish a gym facility.”

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