Annerley Labor utilised its April general meeting to highlight the importance of local Council issues, in preparation for the next Brisbane City Council (BCC) elections due in March 2028.

As part of the deliberations, the Branch adopted a resolution calling on the Party to devote time at the next State Conference, scheduled for August, to hold a dedicated forum to discuss BCC policy issues. Recognising the importance of grassroots participation in shaping the next platform to be advocated by ALP BCC candidates, members were strongly supportive of having more of a say in the policy development process.

Many branch members have reflected on the poor performance of Labor at the BCC level over the past 20 years, agreeing that ‘business as usual’ was not an option, especially as previous attempts to foster member participation had been discouraged and even thwarted.

During the April meeting, members participated in a workshop to identify some key policy issues that Labor could consider taking to the 2028 BCC elections. Some of the ideas mooted included:

–              Providing cost of living relief such as rates discounts and CPI caps.

–              Supporting more active and public transport infrastructure and services, including frequent mid-sized e-buses across suburbs, light rail options, building more bridges and car free areas.

–              Supporting housing; including reviewing existing restrictions and planning/zoning laws – especially for Airbnb’s and making more land available for housing with a priority for affordable, environmentally friendly developments, & imposing a vacancy tax.

–              Creating more community spaces across the city.

–              Better financial management to create an affordable city which includes reducing current Council waste.

–              Using the UN Habitat – new urban agenda as a strategic framework for Brisbane.

–              Eliminating anti-homeless infrastructure and providing better support services for homeless people.

–              Fixing King George Square.

–              Providing more shade structures in our parks and rolling out more dog parks.

In another resolution adopted at the April meeting, members identified housing as a priority issue that should be addressed strategically across all levels of government. Renters, who now make up a significant and growing proportion of Brisbane households, continue to face rising rents, insecure tenancies, and limited protections, the resolution calls on a Labor led Council to develop and adopt a comprehensive housing policy centred on renters’ rights and security.

Annerley Labor will continue its advocacy of local government issues over the next two years to ensure Labor is ready to take the fight to the current LNP dominated Council which has clearly abandoned governing for all of Brisbane.