Jane Prentice calls for PM to buy ABC site at Toowong for parkland
Dumped LNP MP Jane Prentice has come up with a plan for the former ABC headquarters at Toowong in a challenge to her replacement Julian Simmonds.
QLD Politics
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DISENDORSED Liberal National MP Jane Prentice has called for the federal government to buy land at the former ABC studios in Toowong in an anti-development push that contradicts her replacement Julian Simmonds.
Mrs Prentice, who has not ruled out running as an independent in Ryan, has backed an anti-development campaign that is being championed by Labor and Greens candidates in the seat.
Debates over local development, including of the ABC site and the proposed Mt Coot-tha zip line, are being used by opponents of LNP candidate Mr Simmonds, who is a Brisbane City councillor.
Despite both developments being local council issues they are two of the most common concerns being raised by voters in the electorate and could influence the result in the once blue ribbon LNP seat.
In a move that will add to pressure on Mr Simmonds’ candidacy, Mrs Prentice has written to Scott Morrison calling for the federal government to purchase the land and turn it into green space.
Residents last year succeeded in objecting to the Council’s approval for a three-tower complex designed by award-winning architect Zaha Hadid’s company. Mr Simmonds has previously backed the development.
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But Mrs Prentice said there was a “groundswell” among residents for “this site returned for local community space and park”.
“With the plans for ever increasing high rise development in the local area I feel it is important that local residents be afforded an open space for all to enjoy,” she said.
“This is a unique site on the riverfront, accessible by public transport and in the heart of a fast growing area with easy access to the CBD and University of Queensland.
“Is it any wonder local residents want this location to be available for everyone?”
She said “over development” was “one common theme” raised by her constituents and she wanted a riverside park on the site to be her “legacy”.
“Development is of course part and parcel to Brisbane’s growing population,” she said.
“But hand-in-hand with that we must continue to work to deliver public amenities, including parks and open spaces, which are vitally important to local residents and communities who have already endured more than their fair share of construction works.”
In a sign of ongoing tensions between Mrs Prentice and Mr Simmonds, she said “I haven’t made that decision yet” when asked on ABC radio last Friday if she would run as an independent.
But she said she would not do this if it meant she would be a “spoiler” for the Liberal Party.
Mr Morrison said in January that Mrs Prentice had “been very clear” that she would not stand for re-election.
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