Ross Vasta (Bonner, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am pleased to speak today on a fantastic initiative for small businesses in the Wynnum CBD area. This is an important part of my electorate. Wynnum CBD has experienced a downturn in the past, so I am thrilled to report there has been a recent resurgence for business in the area. A slew of new shops have opened up in the CBD, and it is great to see empty shopfronts come back to life over this past year. I am proud to be involved in plans to further revitalise Wynnum CBD. I recently met with CCIQ Brisbane Bayside manager, Belinda Pugh, and other board members to discuss their plans to attract more businesses to the CBD area. CCIQ Brisbane Bayside is proposing a new retail association that would work with the community, including local shop owners, to form the new shopping precincts in the CBD. It is an exciting concept, and I look forward to working with CCIQ Brisbane Bayside and other community figures to encourage and support new businesses in our area.

I am also pleased to report that the much anticipated Wynnum community centre has officially opened. The centre now houses a new Woolworths, the Wynnum library as well as a number of other community groups. Thanks go in particular to my good friend Deirdre Thompson, lord mayor's representative for the Wynnum Manly ward, for her hard work in ensuring the smooth operating and opening of this facility that will breathe even more life into the Wynnum CBD.