Independents to contest vote in Redlands

JENNA DAROCZY

9/03/2009 3:46:00 PM

Democracy is alive and well in the electorate of Redlands, as two independent candidates join the election race, bringing the field to six candidates.

Heather Steinberg and Mark Edwards will both contest the seat, currently held by John English and the ALP by a margin of 6.8 per cent.

Ms Steinberg first gained a public profile in 2008 as the Queensland police officer who opposed resettlement of repeat offender paedophile Dennis Ferguson in the nearby community of Carbrook.

A major part of her election platform relates to penalties for child sex offenders, including life sentences for repeat offenders and a "Megan's Law" style, publicly available register where convicted sex offenders must list their suburb and street.

"The government still has not done anything to fix this situation, even this week Ferguson has been released again after suspicion of re-offending,'' Ms Steinberg said.

"We also need to see more protection and education in schools for students to learn to defend themselves, which Police Minister Judy Spence promised at the rally, but nothing has been done."

Ms Steinberg's other policies are heavily police and education based, campaigning for increased police numbers and powers and extending the entry age for prep to any child turning five by December that year instead of June.

As well as past lives as a bank manager and joint-owner of a hotel, Mark Edwards is an active campaigner and resident on Russell Island, who has lobbied Redland City Council on issues including sealed roads and infrastructure.

"Through the extensive interaction I've had with the council and state MPs about services on the islands I've seen the real lack of cooperation and coordination between tiers of government, and that's what I'm running to rectify," Mr Edwards said.

"We've been refused projects by the council and when I approached John (English), he said the council had only applied for funding once in eight years, which it received.

"That relationship needs to be stronger."

Mr Edwards also said education, health and a more user-friendly foreshore were priorities for him, both on the islands and the mainland where he spends a lot of time for work.

The two independents and sitting member Mr English will also be up against former Redland councillor Peter Dowling (LNP), president of Folk Redlands Colin Nightingale (the Greens) and freelance business analyst Cameron Krook (Daylight Savings for South East Queensland).