FEARS FOR FUTURE OF COUNCIL PARK PROGRAMS
05 March, 2010
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Local Councillor for The Gabba Ward Helen Abrahams says she fears Lord Mayor Campbell Newman may be planning to slash funding for Council’s popular Active Parks program, after marketing for the program was significantly cut.
Councillor Abrahams has called on Cr Newman to guarantee that funding for the Active Parks program won’t drop below current levels, after a directive from the Lord Mayor’s Office ordered Council officers to no longer publicise the activities through regular brochures.
The Active Parks programs, which provided Brisbane residents with a full guide to Council’s parkland activities, were previously produced quarterly and distributed through residents’ letterboxes, Council’s Customer Service Centres, Ward Offices and Libraries.
“I know Cr Newman is desperate for cash, but stopping the publication of these important programs is nonsensical,” Councillor Abrahams said.
“I am concerned this an underhanded attempt to drive down attendance at the popular parks events so Cr Newman can justify funding cuts for these community activities.
“Cr Newman previously said some of the ‘nice to haves’ will be cut from his Council budgets, so I want Cr Newman to guarantee this won’t be one of the ‘nice’ community activities he ruthlessly cuts.
“The Active Parks program encourages Brisbane residents to remain active and get involved with their local communities. We should be doing all we can to support it.
“Now, the only way residents can find out about activities in their local area is to visit Council’s website, and this discriminates against residents who may not have access to a computer, the internet or a printer.
“This is further proof Cr Newman is only interested in creating a concrete-covered ‘New World City’ and not in supporting a liveable Brisbane where parks play an important role,” she said.