SEQTA unveils Stage 1 of 3-step "YIMBYism" effort.
"For too long, people who don't even take public transport have dictated the experience for those who are forced to," said Imogen B, Founder @ SEQTA in a Discord stage today. The word "NIMBY" means "Not In My Backyard", a term used to describe people who spend real money and time to advocate against the betterment of infrastructure to benefit their own self-interest. This means;
- People fight against new train lines because they don’t want more people or noise near their homes
- Some residents complain when services run more often (more trains/buses = more “noise” or “traffic”)
- These people are known to oppose busways, densification near stations or new light rail projects.
But what about the people who actually take public transport? They're left with nothing, or in most cases, a significantly reduced service. Too often have we been seeing VITAL infrastructure cut due to NIMBYism. This year alone we've seen the cancellations of the:
- Maroochydore train service
- Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4
- Sunshine Coast Light Rail
and so much more, with the rumoured cancellation of even more vital projects, such as the Springfield to Ipswich rail loop on the horizon. This is unacceptable! This is possible because "NIMBY"s are loud. They donate to our politicians, they hang signs up garnering manufactured support and they flood consultations whilst the people who actually take public transport are left in the dirt.
This ends today.
In recent months a new term has been rising in other cities. This term is "YIMBY", meaning "Yes In My Backyard"! YIMBYism is the belief that infrastructure is important, advocating for the betterment of transit in our community and getting things done. But Queensland doesn't have a large vocal YIMBY movement... until today. The South-East Queensland Transit Association today unveils a 3-step plan to ignite passion and stir up support for what we hope becomes Brisbane's biggest YIMBY movement. The premise is, where they can be loud, we be louder. Whilst the final two stages are to be revealed pending how Stage 1 goes, here is what we're beginning:
Stage 1:
- Immediately organise to have a presence at every single community consultation for infrastructure projects and relevant state and federal MPs
- Begin to set up on-the-ground support for a pro-public transport movement
- Define clear campaigns, clear expectations and get branded material out
- Garner online and in-person support for our movement
- Make our voice heard
- Establish a major refactor of our community platform
- Host SEQTA Regional Representative Elections to get dedicated spokespeople for SEQ that listen to the region's needs and push for change
- Get SEQTA members involved with in-person work
Stage 1 aims to set up our movement and show that there is a strong demand for better public transport in Queensland. These first actions will build visibility, credibility, and a real seat at the table for everyday commuters. I hope this community is enthusiastic to help with this major movement, and I hope we can start seeing some accountability and change in this beautiful state.
To Brisbane 2032, and beyond!
I hope you'll assist us in this journey. Let's make BrisBetter — for real this time!
