Passing this along… Neighbourhood Watch has received a letter (see below) from the local Councillor, Margaret de Wit, making funding of their 20th Anniversary Event on June 29th — at Akuna Park in Kenmore — conditional upon there being no material, signs, or placards relating to the Kenmore Bypass at the Council-owned public park.
Neighbourhood Watch provides an invaluable service in helping keep our area safe, as a forum for discussion of local issues and in bringing our community together. With eighteen community groups joining with the Neighbourhood Watch on this day, we would not want to do anything at all to jeopardise their (partial) funding of this event and at their request, we draw your attention to Councillor de Wit’s letter.
Although our group had not planned to have any visibility at the Neighbourhood Watch 20th Anniversary Event, we now formally request that there be no public presence from our group as we do not want to see Neighbourhood Watch lose the funding promised from Brisbane City Council through Cr de Wit. Thank you.
We need to ensure as many people get their feedback in by June 16 to kenmorebypass@mainroads.qld.gov.au and keep the focus on building a local bridge from Moggill to Wacol, to cut trip times in half, save taxpayers hundreds of millions and avoid the devastating impact on so many local children and their families, their homes and where they live.
43 Comments to “Margaret de Wit forbids Kenmore Bypass materials at Neighbourhood Watch 20th Anniversary”
Neighbourhood Watch Member
This is hypocritical on Margaret’s part. It was only just recently she was asking for volunteers to collect signatures for a petition to seal Gap Creek Road at the Neighbourhood Watch meeting and asking everyone to sign the petition.
Kathy(2)
Unbelievable!! While she doesn’t directly mention the no-bypass group, I’m sure that’s who she’s aiming at. I find it objectionable she’d assume we would choose such an event to get our message across.
Her letter to Neighbourhood watch really smacks of incredible standover tactics - how dare she threaten to take away funding, especially when it’s something they’d have very little control over – that is, how could they possibly police every person attending the event.
I really despair at just how ‘for’ the bypass Flegg and de Wit are – they both need to remember they’re there for all of us, not just those wanting the bypass. Neither of them can STILL believe it will stop at Moggill Road so obviously neither have a problem with a major highway decimating their WHOLE electorate.
Will go cool down but before I do, can she legally take away funding for such a reason???
Alan Gosling
I would not have believed that a local councillor could possibly have put out such a directive. Aren’t we living in a democracy and don’t we believe in free speech and expression?
NSW politician De La Bosco is being investigated for something similar and his wife is undergoing counselling for the same type of attitiude as is being displayed by Margaret de Witt. This is blackmail and should be investigated further as to its propriety, threatening a community organisation that if it does not bow to her opinion then it will be financially disadvantaged.
Disgraceful behaviour by someone who is supposed to represent all of her electors and not just her own views.
Susan
Brisbane City Councillor Margaret de Wit has overstepped the mark by threatening a local community group - it is nothing short of blackmail.
In her letter to Neighbourhood Watch she states that (quote)”Council support for this (Neighbourhood Watch) event is dependent on the above conditions being met” (unquote).
Her message is clear: Any show of support for the No Kenmore Bypass at the Neighbourhood Watch event and the penalty is Brisbane City Council will not contribute to the Neighbourhood Watch event.
What happened to freedom of speech? It is suddenly ok for a Brisbane City Councillor to blackmail a hardworking local group that has been working with the community for 25+ years?
Is Cr de Wit paying for any contribution to the Neighbourhood Watch event from her own pocket?
Of course not! Any assistance to Neighbourhood Watch is funded by Brisbane City Council and guess who funds Brisbane City Council….you and me and the rest of the electorate who elected Cr de Wit.
Mark deFina
I agree totally with Alan’s comments - I find her attitude is disgusting and threatening - reminiscent of “gestapo” tactics. Pity she didn’t show her true colours prior to the recent council elections.
Victoria Carrington
I too am shocked at Councillor de Wit’s correspondence - since when has the Save Our Kenmore Community Group become a political party? Also does she have the power to refuse funding for Neighbourhood Watch on the grounds that people in her electorate are voicing their opinion on this proposed road- I thought we lived in a freedom of speech country. And lastly would Can Do Campbell agree with this type of threatening correspondence being sent out by one of his councillor’s who represents him when he is out of town (according to her recent Pullenvale Ward Newsletter) I am very disappointed in her actions.
Pamela
I agree Alan, how can an elected member threaten her consistuents by withdrawal of funding - the NW group cannot control the Kenmore Bypass people ie. we are all members of this community. Also isn’t the park public land?? Margaret de Wit has clearly been in office too long, and has decided that the Mugabe approach to politics is the way to go! Shame on you Margaret de Wit. At this stage we still live in a democracy.
Mike
The outrage is clear from one and all.
How can a local member of politics serve the best interests of our community with such a terrible abuse of her authority? What else has she done? Surely Campbell Newman must take the appropriate action.
concerned
Gosh, this is starting to be a pattern! SOS wasn’t allowed to hire a space in the Kenmore shops either. Management said Margaret De Wit was a tenant there and they didn’t want to upset her…… YES, they said, both she and Main Roads could campaign there but not us.Same tactics maybe? There seems to be a different set of rules for De WIT!
dina
i am disgusted at the standover tactics margaret de witt is using to stop and intimidate the kenmore electolate.we should not accept this.this is a democratic society and we should be allowed to protest peacefully where we choose.We should take this up with the city council and in fact we should ask permission to be allowed to protest anywhere we please.Sometimes i wonder why we ever elected these politicians at all.aren’Dr.flegg and Margaret de witt supposed to represent the people of the electorate They seem to be supporting their own agendas.we should kick them out at the next election and vote the greens in.
Lauren
so Cr de Wit doesn’t want to “risk any unpleasantness”.
well what about the UNPLEASANTNESS of 75 000 freight trucks, semi-trailers, motorbikes and cars tearing through residential Kenmore 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
what about the UNPLEASANTNESS of our children’s asthma being aggravated by all the extra fumes and pollution?
what about the UNPLEASANTNESS of destroying much valued parkland, the environment and local wildlife.
what about the UNPLEASANTNESS of resonating highway noise at 3am in the morning?
what about the UNPLEASANTNESS of having insufficient public transport in Kenmore and beyond?
Bernie
So Ms de Wit only tolerates opinions that are in line with her own?
Time to bring out my ‘No Kenmore bypass’-T-Shirt to wear it at the event. Certainly, she would not punish the organisers for that.
Ms de Wit, this is a 3.5 km road project. Do we really need to give up all democratic principles for that? What is going on here? And why?
Victoria Carrington
THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER
IT’S JUST BEGINING
Donetta
“In keeping with Neighbourhood Watch’s non-political ethos…”
If you’re trying to be non-political, then why the letter?
Neighbourhood Watch isn’t taking a stance on the issue, hence it is remaining non-political. If you hadn’t sent the letter, it would have stayed so, too - in fact, most SOS supporters wouldn’t have known it was even going on.
This is kind of like telling someone, “Whatever you do, don’t do THIS”, and then seeing how much they are tempted to try. Or maybe that’s the point, and she’s hoping we’ll make ourselves look bad.
Safe to say, Margaret has just lost my support at the next election. I no longer support her views, and I no longer support her actions as a politician.
Kathy(2)
Re “Concerned’s” comments and how Margaret de Wit and Main Roads could campaign at Kenmore Village but not us. If I was aware of that, it’s slipped my mind. Definitely one rule for ‘them’ and a different one for us. I’m seriously considering boycotting Kenmore Village. What happened to freedom of speech for ALL of us!!! And yes, I’m joining the growing number who won’t vote for de Wit next time. Flegg I decided ages ago was a definite no vote as there’s no way he can make up for his total lack of empathy to the people under serious threat of resumption. A message to both of you - to be so completely biased does not good politicians make!!!
Thank goodness for people like Ronan Lee and Michael Johnson who aren’t afraid to take a stance against the bypass – they (like most sane thinking people) realise it’s the start of a nightmare road for the WHOLE of the western suburbs. Flegg and de Wit are unbelievably naive if they truly believe the bypass will finish at Moggill Road - the darker point of view is they know the Warrego link is a given if the bypass goes through and for some unfathomable reason don’t care.
keiran
Kathy(2) don’t be too quick to bless Ronan Lee and Michael Johnson. They were both FOR the goodna bypass and had exactly this reaction against them. It’s interesting to see them changing sides for this argument. I guess they learned their lesson.
Susan
Kathy (2) - while I applaude your sentiments about boycotting Kenmore Village, unfortunately it is futile in this area.
Both Kenmore Village Shopping Centre and Kenmore Plaza Shopping Centre are owned by the same person, Mr Denis Jen of Jen Retail Properties.
The sad aspect the retailers of both shoppings centres don’t realise (yet) is that once the Kenmore Bypass road is open, people will just continue down through the heart of Kenmore to the Centenary Highway and shop at Indooroopilly where the range is better anyhow.
They are not likely to double back to shop at Kenmore Village or Kenmore Plaza.
Similarly, once Stage 2 is attached to the Kenmore Bypass Road, even more shoppers will continue on to the Centenary Highway and shop anywhere other than Kenmore. There are no off ramps so they won’t have a choice but to drive right through Kenmore and out to Centenary Highway
OOps Cr de Wit and Dr Bruce Flegg muct have forgotten to tell that to the retailers.
Ryan
Nice to see Margaret is showing her true colours in fully supporting Bruce Flegg and employing standover tactics to pressure a non-political group such as Neighbourhood Watch into now having to police a community event. Does this mean that Margaret and Bruce will not be making any speeches or having a presence at this event either? Hardly likely, and even more unlikely that neither of them will put forward their views on the proposed Bypass. Good to see that the efforts by all in bringing a balanced view of this issue to the public eye are having an impact if Cr de Wit is having to impose tough sanctions on innocent groups such as this. Whats next, metal detectors at the local school fetes?
Kathy(2)
Susan - yes, I realise Kenmore Village & Tavern owned by same person but where I live it’s not much further to Jindalee Coles - PLEASE don’t tell me that’s owned by the same person too or I’ll really be shot down in flames.
Re them losing custom - I’ve heard Kenmore Village is pushing for an offramp at Kenmore Road so they don’t lose customers. Not sure how much basis there is in that, but wouldn’t be surprised if it is the case.
Kathy(2)
Keiran - guess there’ll always be for & againsts on any proposed road /major development but with the total lack of support from our local members, I’m finding it hard to see past just being grateful someone in ‘power’ is on our side. (And yes, it’s probably me with blinkers on now)
Robert
As far as I have heard, the basic democratic right of freedom of expression hasn’t been repealed. Therefore as far as I am concerned the people have not lost their right to protest against the KB project wherever and whenever they like.
Seems like Cr De Witt has lost touch with the basic functions of the democracy of which she is a part (and has kept bread on her table).
In saying this it looks to me as if this process is in danger of veering away from the transparent and democratic to something else dark and nasty.
Looks like the old saying is true, the fish rots from the head.
Ronan Lee MP
Quick response to Kieran (June 16th) - to set the record straight - you are wrong, I did not support the Goodna By-pass.
In fact I strongly campaigned for the Ipswich Motorway upgrade as an alternative.
Keiran
Ronan - If that’s the case then I apologise for the confusion. I must have you confused.
Sarah
Is it just me or…
“In keeping with Neighbourhood Watch’s non-political ethos…”
“Council support of this event is dependent on the above conditions being met.”
???
Question to Sarah
Don’t know what your question is Sarah? You may need to spell it out for me? Sorry…
StephC
It’s not just you, Sarah. Many of us are aware of the inherent oxymoron in Cr de Wit’s terms. Her clumsy attempt at pre-emptive politics amounts to political blackmail. Her very own actions have transformed a supposedly non-political event into a deeply political one.
Andrew MacDonald
DE LACK OF WIT!!
An obvious agenda that doesn’t align with the objections and best intentions of her electorate. Political suicide. In a democratic society can we as an electorate create a motion of no confidence to have her removed? Isn’t there a legal process for such occasions where councillors and politicians take it upon themselves to inflict their will on the people? The answer must be ‘Yes’ because the feudal system finished centuries ago…and I for one will not be regarded as a lowly peasant.
The question remains, “Is there a process in which we can remove these politicians and councillors that are hell bent on proceeding with development at the expense of our very livelihoods, health, and safety?”
CAN SOMEBODY STOP THIS LOCAL COMMUNITY BEING RUN ‘BOSS HOGG STYLE?”
Penny Behan
Just wanted to put a quick update for those of you who weren’t able to attend the Neighbourhood Watch celebrations today. It was a lovely day with so many of our volunteer run community groups attending - Girl Guides, Kenmore South State School band (fantastic talent), lots of Environment Groups including The Hut and Cubberla Creek Catchment, Kenmore Meals on Wheels, Lupus Sufferers Society, the SES, Tai Chi Group, Kenmore History Group, and Kenmore Art Society.
The Police (excellent presence), the Fire Brigade and Brisbane City Council all had very helpful and informative staff in attendence and should be complemented.
So the day was a huge success with probably 400 people attending and supporting the Neighbourhood Watch celebration of 20 years of serving our suburbs. Six people received 20 year service awards (very proud of my dad being one)… It was a great day, congratulations to all the volunteers from Neighbourhood Watch who provided such an enjoyable event.
Importantly I observed everyone adhering to Margaret de Wit’s conditions for the event and the funding should not be in jeopardy.
Jules
Totally agree with every word Andrew - in the States I think it’s called a “re-call election” initiated by citizens by petition. We really need legal expertise but how about a petition to council calling for her removal and a immediate by-election? She has to go!
Lauren
i think someone needs to tell de Wit that we live in Australia, and not the Peoples Republic of China!
Lauren
also: Cr de Wit is apparently going to a “Sustainable Suburbs Public Meeting”, Wed 30 July, 7.30pm, Uniting Church Hall, Moggill Rd, Kenmore.
I know nothing about what this meeting is about except for what is on the flyer:
“The combined factors of peak oil and Climate change are precipitating unavoidable change to our lives.
“If we start now, we have the opportunity to define our new living conditions and create the Pathways and Processes that work for us. Be pro-active, not re-active!
“Come, join with others and be a part of this opportunity to explore local solutions to: food supply, transport, health, technology, leisure and creativity, community support
“We are delighted to have Councillor Margaret de Wit join this resident discussion”
I am very interested to see what Cr de Wit has to say about “Peak Oil” and being “pro-active, not re-active” and exloring “local solutions to Transport”.
Judy and John
We live in Pullenvale and support all the recent struggles to be heard in our area - but we know nothing about this “Sustainable Suburbs Public Meeting” on 30 July??????
Surely we should all be included.
Lauren
i picked up the flyer from one of the display tables at the Neighbourhood Watch celebration last weekend. unfortunately i didn’t read it until after i left.
by the looks of the flyer, it seems everyone is welcome to attend the meeting.
anon
REMINDER: Margaret de Wit’s office confirmed she will be attending Wed 30 July meeting of “Sustainable Suburbs” at Kenmore Uniting Church on Moggil Rd, 7.30pm.
More info above.
bill muir
I guess you are aware that Flegg is making himself available at Kenmore South on Saterday between 7.30and8.30am.
Liz
I can not believe the audacity of the man. Where was he when we needed representation from our local member?
In the letter that he has sent to those on or near the proposed bypass he indicates that he wishes to hear our concerns…
Marie
Did anyone get a phone call from our (supposed to be) local Member Dr Bruce Flegg? No I!!
http://westside-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/opinion-poll-shows-most-residents-in-support-of-corridor/
Kerry
Who cares what his biased poll said. What about the Westside News poll on 2 occasions!
I will be turning up at 7.30am Saturday at Kenmore South to tell him my concerns - firstly about his inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour.
Robert
This may be an opportunity to formally present Bruce with a documented list of concerns from the group. This doesn’t need to become a angry mob scene.
anon
is Flegg *really* against the Warrego connection?
If he is against the Warrego connection, he must actually think he has the power to stop it once the Kenmore Bypass is built…of course he will NOT be able to stop the Warrego connection once stage one is approved.
Flegg should be campaigning for the better alternatives to the bypass, which are sustainable and better for the community!
Victoria
Could everyone who is turning up to meet with Flegg on Saturday morning - please wear the Save our Kenmore t-shirt and/or bring signs if you have one. Also has anyone contacted the media to report on this historic event - if not I think we should do so. And no we did not receive a phone call from Flegg’s office regarding our opinion on the bypass - perhaps the calls were directed to Bellbowrie/Pullenvale - Flegg’s electorate.
Andrew W
My lord I knew when we moved back to Queensland it was going to be stepping back in time but really how stupid can you people be. I am no fan of Ms De Witt and really have no opnion of her either way but surely even the dullest of you can understand the point she is making?
Andrew
Ok I take that back. Sorry to all. But I think you can see why the council can not be seen to take sides.