Logan mayoral candidate

The Jimboomba Times story on the proposal attracted a huge response on the Jimboomba Times Facebook page, with most people highly critical of the idea.

James Parer wrote that Cr Smith’s move was simply a ploy to buy votes.

“A water park is on the priority list! Really!’’ he said.

“This shouldn't even be part of a conversation. Let's start with public transport, crime, the idiots on the road etc.

“By bringing this issue to the front implies people in this district are simply stupid.

“Look, a shiny thing!" Vote for me! PLEASE!’’

Cr Smith said the proposals had not been costed and would first go out for community consultation and then be put up to developers as public–private partnership proposals.

PPPs usually feature public land going to the developer who in turn builds the facility.

“By bringing a water park to Logan, we will activate our amazing parks and green spaces across the city and will provide a place to cool off during our long hot summers,’’ Cr Smith said.

“My plan is to bring two of these to the city, one in Eagleby and one around Jimboomba. Working with the local councillors and residents of these areas we will use the community to guide us on what they want to see.

“I’ve heard from the residents that they want to be included in council decisions and with something like a water park going into their area, we want it to be what the community wants.’’

On Facebook Brock Houliston asked if Cr Smith already had a developer in mind for his PPP proposal while Guy Lomas wanted the train line to Beaudesert re-opened.

Cr Phil Pidgeon said the council and councillors would make a decision on such an investment, not one person.

“I think we should be fixing the roads in the area and looking after basics before luxuries,’’ Cr Pidgeon said.

Sandra Clark said she moved to Browns Plains in 1974 and had to walk to Beaudesert Road to get a bus to the city.

“After paying rates all of these years I still have to walk almost to Beaudesert Rd to get a bus to the city but at least I get my rubbish bin emptied,’’ she said.

Cr Lisa Bradley said voters had to be careful about what they were voting for.

“Not only increased rates to fund this promise (or more debt to add to the three-fold increase over the last six years); this area of the City of Logan needs basics like roads,’’ she said.

Bryson Thomas took on Cr Bradley, saying that everyone knew she was backing the other mayoral candidate – Brett Raguse.

“Tell me Lisa, how is Brett going to fund building a stadium in Loganholme?’’ he asked.

Chantelle Lapham said an aquatic centre should be built at Yarrabilba similar to that at Caboolture, north of Brisbane.

Some supported the proposal in a droll way.

Christina Graham said she had a pothole on her road for 12 years but “sure a water park sounds great’’.

Dena Madden: “I think I’ll have to vote for this fella; a water park!’’

Tiffany Johnston said that as much as a water park sounded good, the region needed decent roads.

Michael Stewart said the money should be used to fix New Beith Road and Dungaree Drive.

“Last time I remembered, it wasn't a 4x4 track, despite the endless patch it up repairs that quite obviously didn't work.

“Or maybe they could give the cash to the local residents so they can get their wheels re-aligned and have their teeth fillings put back it,’’ he said

Emily Fuata said a water park would be the least of this district’s priorities.

Stuart Beadel: “A water park? What a waste of money. Let's sort out the public transport situation and give us better roads before putting in water parks.

“These are the types of clowns we get to vote for. A water park. Kidding me!’’

Josh Beckett said he would rather trains instead.

Others asked for better telephone services and internet connection although these services are not supplied by councils.

Jane Lee said that anyone who had seen Ipswich and Springfield water parks would see what a positive impact they had on a community.

“While there are other issues that will always need addressing, why can't we improve public facilities too?,’’ she said.

“Half the complaints … are about State Government issues anyway, not a local government responsibility.’’