Sustainable Australia Party (SAP) Ronald McDonald clarifies his position on State Significant Farmland and the Tweed Valley Hospital.
However, President of the Sustainable Australia Party (SAP) William Bourke, took issue with The Echo summary of their policy on immigration being ‘anti-immigration’ because they promote a reduction in immigration from the current 200,000 a year to 70,000. They have clarified their position saying that ‘SAP is a PRO-immigration party. We are for immigration. We do however call for immigration to be simply lowered back to the historic norm of around 70,000 p.a.’
Mr McDonalds answers for the second round of questions:
Will you give an unequivocal guarantee to protect the remaining Cudgen State Significant Farmland including any attempts to rezone for non-agricultural purposes, such as those proposed by the ‘Cudgen Connection’?
Yes. As outlined in Sustainable Australia Party’s Planning & Development policy we should impose a moratorium on planning rezoning for higher intensity uses that are not in the public interest, such as from rural conservation to farming, or farming to residential.
Will you honour the commitment made at the last State Election to provide free parking at the TVH?
Sustainable Australia Party’s Transport policy promotes better public transport, as well as investment in other sustainable and active transport systems. We need to provide convenient and cost-effective alternatives to car use. We do not have a specific policy on free parking, however, we would consult with the community before determining a position. Those most in need should be provided with free parking.
What commitments will you make to mitigating the impact of the TVH’s identified 5,500 additional daily traffic movements on local communities eg substantial free parking, regular & timely shuttle bus service, enhanced public transport?
As outlined above, Sustainable Australia Party supports better investment in public transport.
Will you honour the commitment made at the last State Election to keep The Tweed Hospital open and operating as a hospital?
Yes. We support more health services for our community.
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