Sunshine Coast launch of Coalitions campaign against forced mergers

3rd October 2007The State Coalition chose Peregian Beach this morning to launch its
renewed campaign against Labor’s forced council amalgamations.

Coalition Leader Jeff Seeney said the Sunshine Coast component of the
campaign launch was a rallying call for residents to step-up the fight
against Labor’s forced mergers.

“Everyone hoped Premier Bligh would back down and admit Labor’s agenda
of forcing communities to merge was ill-conceived,” Mr Seeney said.

“She hasn’t, so we need to step-up the fight and we chose Peregian
because it and Noosa are icon locations that will lose their identities,
their sense of local communities under Labor’s forced regional,
centralised government.

“Every Queenslander who cares about local communities needs to send the
strongest message to State and Federal Labor that they’ve had enough of
being brushed aside. This is a political fight and they need to use the
ballot box to be heard.

“From day one …..the Queensland Coalition has argued local communities
deserve a say in their futures.

“Distinct communities which have developed in places like Peregian and
Noosa should be allowed to continue without outside interference. 

“We are launching this today on the Sunshine Coast to keep pressure on
the Labor Government.

Mr Seeney said he was disappointed Premier Bligh was arrogantly refusing
to listen to local residents.

“When Premier Bligh came into the job, she had the opportunity to show
she was not as cold and heartless as her predecessor.

“Unfortunately Premier Bligh has refused to back down and is continuing
with the unfair and undemocratic mergers which began under Peter
Beattie.”

Mr Seeney re-confirmed a State Coalition government would allow
communities to de-amalgamate and return to their original council areas
where the majority so desired.

“This fight is at the very grassroots of democratic process and I urge
every affected council to allow their residents to have voices heard.”

Media Contact – Jeff Popp 0438 153 857