Candidate: Residents upset about consultation after Councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden suspended
Residents in suspended councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden’s division are furious about the lack of consultation on several controversial developments, a political candidate warns.
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Residents in suspended councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden’s division are furious about the lack of consultation on several controversial developments, a political candidate warns.
Cr Bayldon-Lumsden is currently before the courts charged with the alleged murder of his stepfather Robert Lumsden. His lawyers have said he will plead not guilty.
While he can stand for re-election in the poll next March, if his legal case is not resolved he will remain suspended.
Jenna Schroeder has stepped up her campaign as a candidate in Division 7.
Joe Wilkinson and Edward Sarroff are also standing in what could become a Melbourne Cup field.
Ms Schroeder after attending a public meeting said there was opposition to the Arundel Hills Country Club redevelopment, the Wave pool proposed for Parkwood and City Plan changes increasing height at Labrador. She said residents at last Sunday’s community meeting voiced concern over the fact Cr Bayldon-Lumsden had previously been supportive of some aspects for the Wave Park development.
Residents believed their objecting to the project would be “futile”.
“When I’ve been speaking with the community they feel these developments are being pushed through without genuine consultation with the people who will be most affected by them,” she said.
“I’ve been attending meetings and talking to people in Arundel and Parkwood. The community feels unheard.
“Our residents must be active participants in shaping our communities. Tokenistic community consultation is not good enough, we deserve better.”
Ms Schroeder said she had helped lead a grassroots campaign against the proposed City Plan amendments in Labrador, Biggera Waters, and Southport West which had fuelled a passion for creating “a more inclusive planning process”.
“We need to accommodate growth on the Gold Coast. But not at the expense of our current residents,” she said.
“The community wants to have a say in how their neighbourhoods are shaped and what kind of amenities and services are provided to them.
“They want to see more transparency, accountability and genuine engagement from the council, not gestures and ticking boxes.”
Ms Schroeder said she moved to the Coast in 1998 to attend high school and had been a “proud Labrador resident” since 2018.
“This beautiful coastal community is the perfect place to raise my two daughters together with my husband Jens and our rescue dog Ruby,” she said.
“I firmly believe that a strong community is the backbone of a thriving society and have formed strong connections within Division 7.
“I founded the much-loved Labrador 4215 and Arundel, Biggera, Parkwood, Labrador, Molendinar, Runaway Bay and Southport community groups.
“I also assist with the Labrador Neighbourhood E-watch Facebook page, answering messages from concerned residents, sharing PSAs on local crime, tips on staying safe and assisting people to work with police on issues they face.
“My work with the community was recognised when I received the Local Legend Award from MP Sam O’Connor in 2020.”
Fire to burn for days in Gold Coast bushland
Nearly a dozen fire crews have worked late into the night to contain a blaze in bushland on the northern Gold Coast. Read the latest update.
Grim figures show cost of lost tourism to Gold Coast
Figures have revealed just how much weak international tourism is costing the Gold Coast amid concern about a loss of routes at the city’s airport. SEE THE FIGURES