Jenna Schroeder attacks Sam O’Connor over development in Labrador

A former council candidate has launched an extraordinary attack on Bonney MP Sam O’Connor, accusing him of a ‘backflip’ on the contentious issue of high-rise development in Labrador and Biggera Waters. FULL STORY

Bonney MP Sam O'Connor at Labrador Men's Shed. Picture: Keith Woods.

A former council candidate has launched an extraordinary attack on Bonney MP Sam O’Connor, accusing him of a “backflip” on the contentious issue of high-rise development in Labrador and Biggera Waters.

However, Mr O’Connor – who in 2019 led community meetings opposing proposed City Plan amendments dramatically increasing the height and density of buildings in the area – has insisted his position has not changed.

Bonney MP Sam O'Connor pictured at Labrador on Friday. Picture: Keith Woods.

Jenna Schroeder on Friday said Mr O’Connor had thrown Labrador “under the bus” at meetings opposing proposed housing at Arundel Hills Country Club.

“During a recent Arundel Hills meeting, (Mr O’Connor) suggested the state government should be focusing their efforts on developing Labrador, rather than the golf course. I’m sure I was the only Labrador resident in the room and it came as a complete shock after every conversation he’d had with residents,” she said.

“Sam has made protecting Arundel Hills a centrepiece of his election campaign, with hundreds of dollars spent on specific signs in the area.

“From where the community is standing, it’s clear that Labrador is being thrown under the bus for political point scoring in regards to what is happening at Arundel Hills.”

Ms Schroeder’s comments came after she clashed with Mr O’Connor over the issue at a Pints and Politics forum she hosted on Thursday night.

Jenna Schroeder outside Arundel Hills.

Speaking at Labrador on Friday morning, where he announced a $500,000 commitment towards building a new Men’s Shed, Mr O’Connor said his position had not changed.

“I’ve always said that density in Labrador should be by the foreshore, by the water. That’s where it is now and there’s more capacity for that going forward,” he said.

“I fought hard alongside the community in several forums to make sure that the centre of this suburb is protected where we have a lot of the character homes that make this community what it is. And that has not changed.

“It’s something I’ve been consistent with. We should have density in Labrador by the water, we should protect the middle of the suburb where we have those character homes.”

Growth targets for Biggera Waters, Southport West and Labrador were ultimately slashed by 41 per cent before council’s revised City Plan was submitted to government.

However, then Planning Minister Steven Miles refused to approve amendments related to the area, expressing concern the changes might “limit housing supply, affordability or availability on the Gold Coast”.

Follow @keithjwoods

Originally published as Jenna Schroeder attacks Sam O’Connor over development in Labrador