Whilst hopes to save the historic Yungaba migrant hostel have been dashed by Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas's decision to use extraordinary powers to 'call in' the development application for Yungaba. This will allow the Singapore-based Australand development corporation to proceed with its plans to turn a community asset into yet another gated community containing 10 luxury apartments. Nevertheless, the Yungaba Action Group (YAG) believes that the responsible Governments, both the Liberal National Party Brisbane City Council (BCC) and the Queensland Labor Government, now standing for re-election, should be held to account for their defiance of community wishes. The YAG has surveyed candidates standing for election and has supplied a list of candidates who oppose the actions of the state Government and the BCC over Yungaba. The list is included in the letter included below.
Dear Yungaba supporters and friends
YAG took the opportunity to ask all candidates in the forthcoming Queensland election the following questions:
"Would you please provide clear statements that represent your party's position on heritage protection and related legislation?
" - What changes would your party undertake or promote to strengthen heritage legislation?
" - How would your party ensure that government and property developers are held accountable and responsible for any actions that adversely affect heritage-listed properties?
" - Had your Party been in government, how would it have managed the future of the Yungaba Immigration Depot?"
We only contacted those candidates who had supplied an email address and, obviously, we did not contact ALP candidates, as it is the current ALP government who, without consultations or public tenders, sold Yungaba away.
We are pleased to let you know that many candidates took the time to respond, and this is greatly appreciated.
The following candidates expressed the view that , had they been in government, they would have retained Yungaba in public hands and would have protected its significant heritage value for future generations.
Greens candidates:
South Brisbane - Gary Kane
Moggill - Philip Machanick
Maryborough - David Arthur
Hinchinbrooke - Michelle Macklin
Buderim - Danny Stevens
Ipswich West - Dianne Clark
Cairns - Steve Brech
Independent Candidates:
South Brisbane - Derek Rosborough
Nanango - Dorothy Pratt
Southport - Graeme Hill
Sunnybank - Bruce Spiers
Lytton - Trish Kelly
Sandgate - Kevin Stiller
Callide - Clare Mildren
Mount Coot-Tha - James Sinnamon
Toowoomba South - Peter Pike
LNP candidate
BARRON RIVER - Wendy Richardson (who has been involved with trying to save a heritage building in Cairns from demolition)
We commend these candidates to you for further insight into your voting choices when you lodge your vote on Saturday.
We thank those candidates who responded to our questions and commend your community spirit.
Delene Cuddihy
Yungaba Action Group (www.yungaba.org.au)
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