Showcasing Samford in First Community Council Meeting
Published 15 September 2021
Moreton Bay Regional Council has for the first time today taken its General Meeting out of the Chambers and into the regions.
The inaugural Community Council Meeting was held in Samford today to connect locals directly with Councillors and staff to discuss local issues, projects, ideas and ways to address challenges in the area.
After months of constantly changing COVID restrictions, Mayor Peter Flannery said it was great to connect face-to-face.
“It’s been a bit quiet in the Council Chambers recently without a gallery in attendance, so it was really fantastic to take Council to the community like this,” Mayor Flannery said.
“Representing a vast region like ours has its challenges and I know a lot of locals don’t have the time or ability to get to our Chambers in Strathpine and Caboolture, so after the success of today we’ll definitely be getting out to as many parts of our region as possible.
“We heard great feedback from locals about what they want to see from us, as we strive to be a more engaged and proactive local council.
“We also released the results of our Moreton Says survey and adopted our region’s first Advocacy Plan, both blueprints to guide future works, programs and initiatives.
“These meetings are a great opportunity to build on those great insights gathered through the survey, so we understand how to help our residents.”
Held at the $4.45 million Samford Community Hub, Councillor Darren Grimwade (Div 11) said it was great to showcase Samford’s newest community facility.
“Samford is beautiful at the best of time but was absolutely spectacular in today’s glorious spring sunshine, which really enhanced the village feel of the valley,” Cr Grimwade said.
“I used this as an important opportunity to showcase to my fellow Councillors what makes our part of the world unique and highlight some of our infrastructure and community needs.
“Supporting local business has been a key focus of this council during this pandemic, so it was fantastic to tour Millen Farm, a not-for-profit community-based organisation promoting sustainable urban farming
“There is so much happening in Samford at the moment, just up the road construction is underway on a new $4.5 million pedestrian and bike bridge opposite Private Percy Cash Bridge, thanks to funding support from the State Government, which will solve a notorious safety issue in Samford.
“As well as upgrades to Camp Constable at Mt Glorious, a tennis court development and skate park renewal at the Samford Parklands, and revamp of John Scott Park and rugby league field renos at Alana Cash Park.
“I’m looking forward to the next Community Council meeting myself, to hear from locals in other parts of our amazing region and hope we get even more people coming along as these become regular events.”