Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says vibrant suburbs like Sandgate are the key to a prosperous city.
Speaking at a business breakfast organised by the Sandgate Bayside Chamber of Commerce, the Lord Mayor said only 18 extra homes were built in the Deagon Ward in the past four years.
“And that just blows my mind,” he said. “We need more homes, but we’re also sensitive to the area as well, and preserving those character homes that people love here.
“There’s a lack of accommodation in our suburbs. We can’t have visitors, conferences, and events without accommodation options.”
Cr Schrinner added Brisbane had one of the lowest densities of any city in the world.
“One of the most charming aspects of our city is our suburbs, but we also need people to have the ability to downsize and stay in their local suburbs as they get older,” he said.
Speaking to the Sandgate Guide after the breakfast, Cr Schrinner said he was committed to the revitalisation of Sandgate, although that may not include upgrades to the Einbunpin Lagoon.
“That’s certainly something that can be part of the discussion, as it’s a great asset for our city and for Sandgate,” he said. “Unfortunately, the costings for it were exorbitant, and it’s just not feasible. We’re talking millions of dollars.
“What is special about Sandgate, and what it adds to Brisbane, is its community.
“The connected, community spirit here is what makes Sandgate what it is, and it’s important to keep that as we move forward and look to revitalise the town centre and grow the accommodation options for visitors.”
Supporting Local Business and Community Spirit
He added the council was committed to helping local business owners with initiatives like the business hub located in Nundah, and free mentoring and support services.
Owner of the Full Moon Hotel, which played host to the event, Lucinda Dowling Black, said it was inspiring to see the local business community come together.
“I think we get stuck in the day-to-day grind sometimes, so events like this remind us we’re here to support each other,” she said. “We can all benefit one another.”
Chamber president, Bill Gollan, said in years gone by, Sandgate was “the seaside destination for Brisbane”.
“This was never a sleepy village, it was a tourism town, with a bustling local economy driven by hospitality,” he said.
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
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- Podcast Review: The Imperfects
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- Brit Beat Mania – The British Invasion
- Deck the Halls with Christmas Songs
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- Festive Fashion According to Sandgate’s Stylist
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- Caring for Our Local Birds
- New Name, Same Mission: VMR Brisbane Becomes MRQ Sandgate
- Outdoor Classroom Grows from Restored School Bushland Site
- Leftover Cooked Meat Curry
- Sandgate Remembers the Fallen
- Live Music Rocks Sandgate for A Local Cause
- Let’s Focus on Women’s Health
- Bayview Binny Puts Sandgate on the Map
- Day Out at Hidden World Playground
- Sandgate Theatre Explores the Meaning of Happiness
