Brisbane City Council election 2024: Greens to target key LNP, Labor wards

The Greens Party has unleashed a campaign plan targeting nine key LNP wards in the upcoming council elections.

Greens lord mayoral candidate and former councillor Jonathan Sriranganathan

The Greens will target nine key LNP wards and the ward of Labor’s deputy opposition leader in the 2024 Brisbane City Council election.

On top of the Gabba ward held by the party since 2016, the Greens have set their sights on inner-city wards Walter Taylor, Paddington, Central, Coorparoo and suburban wards Enoggera, Holland Park, Northgate, Pullenvale and The Gap – all of which are currently held by the LNP.

The four city wards have been selected based on the Greens federal success at the 2022 election, while the rising number of suburban renters, particularly those in Northgate and Walter Taylor wards, will be the foundation the Greens to centralise their campaign on housing.

Labor’s Morningside ward, currently held by deputy opposition leader Lucy Collier, will be targeted as part of the suburban blitz, with the Greens confident the ward could swing.

Quintessa Denniz will contest Enoggera ward.

Greens lord mayoral candidate and former councillor Jonathan Sriranganathan said residents were fed up with the major parties, particularly on issues such as housing and transport.

“If the Greens can win three federal electorates in Brissie, it’s not at all unreasonable to imagine that we could also win six to 12 council wards and even the mayoralty,” he said.

“Suburban voters have been shifting to the Greens in large numbers, so this council election could prove to be something of a tipping point, with more and more people telling us they’re ready for system change.”

So far three Greens candidates have been announced, the latest Quintessa Denniz, a 27-year-old lawyer who will put her hat in the ring for Enoggera.

She joins David Ford, candidate for Holland Park, and Tiana Peneha, candidate for Northgate.

Ms Denniz said her campaign would target young voters, with a focus on climate action and housing.

David Ford will contest Holland Park.

“I’m frustrated at the lack of action on climate, housing affordability and the rampant self-interest by Labor and the LNP,” she said.

“I’ve talked to many locals who’ve raised issues with Council and feel like they’re screaming into the void because of the lack of action taken.

“I’m running for the Greens in Enoggera to represent young people like me who have had enough.

“You haven’t listened to us and now we’re taking matters into our own hands.”

Ms Peneha will also focus on the housing crisis.

“The housing crisis has meant people are doing it tough. I’m a single mum and my rent has gone up $50 a week with my new lease,” she said.

“Decades of poor decision-making and ill-directed policy has made it clear to me that significant improvement is required in this space.”

Tiana Peneha will contest Northgate ward.

Greens Party target wards 2024 elections:

1. Walter Taylor – LNP, held by Councillor James Mackay
2. Paddington – LNP, held by Councillor Clare Jenkinson
3. Central – LNP, held by Councillor Vicki Howard
4. Coorparoo – LNP, held by Councillor Fiona Cunningham
5. Enoggera – LNP, held by Councillor Andrew Wines
6. Holland Park – LNP, held by Councillor Krista Adams
7. Northgate – LNP, held by Councillor Adam Allan
8. Pullenvale – LNP, held by Councillor Greg Adermann
9. The Gap – LNP, held by Councillor Steve Toomey
10. Morningside – Labor, held by Deputy Leader of the Opposition Councillor Lucy Collier
    
11. Gabba – Greens, held by Councillor Trina Massey