This year, we again provided Quick Start Grants to help our local organisations. Thank you to all who applied, with more than we have ever had! Our volunteers are vital to our community, providing essential services, supports and activities that we are deeply grateful for. There were many outstanding applications from beach to bush for environmental efforts all the way through to information booklets for new residents, arts festivals in our country villages and intervention initiatives. As we are still contacting successful organisations, the full list will be available on Noosa 360 next week at www.sandybolton.com/noosa360.
Nominations for the Noosa MP Queensland Day Awards will open on 15 April at www.sandybolton.com/qld-day-awards. This is the time for organisations, who have incredible volunteers who go above and beyond for us all, to show their appreciation by nominating them for this award. Nominations close 12pm Monday 22 May 2024.
L-R: With Noosa MP grant recipient PCC; With our Rural Fire Brigade reps; With Coco from Surfers for Climate
Heavy Haulage
Even though I was unable to attend the Save Noosa Hinterland (SNH) public meeting due to the Parliament sitting, I had provided updates to SNH, Kin Kin Community Group, Pomona Chamber of Commerce and Noosa Council in December last year, as well to the Kin Kin Roundtable and I thank the organisers for sharing this information on the night. The length of time we have been waiting for the verdict from Noosa Council’s court case against the quarry operators continues to be deeply frustrating. My ongoing efforts regarding the implementation of an independent Environmental Protection Agency, and legislation changes to increase ministerial powers to assist continues. This included a submission to the Environment Protection (Powers and Penalties) Bill inquiry with information including my submission available at www.sandybolton.com/independent-review-of-powers-and-penalties-under-the-environmental-protection-act-update-march-2024
Housing
As mentioned in previous updates, following our advocacy, the Queensland Government ordered a review of the income limits for access to social housing that have not changed since 2006, and ongoing eligibility for existing tenants. This review is due to commence shortly and is expected to be completed by mid-2024. Further information can be found at www.sandybolton.com/housing-update-march-2024
Rural Fire Brigade
It was a full table of our fabulous reps from our rural fire brigade units across the Noosa and Nicklin Electorates including Tinbeerwah, Boreen Point, Kin Kin, Noosa Northshore, Teewah, Black Mountain and Cooroibah. The hot topic was the Disaster Management Bill which is currently before Parliament, with elements of concern I have taken forward to the Minister. Thank you to all for keeping our communities, families, friends and loved ones safe, you are deeply appreciated every day. More information is available at www.sandybolton.com/rural-fire-brigade-structure-changes-disaster-management-and-other-legislation-amendment-bill-2024-march-2024
Pomona King of the Mountain
In response to concerns regarding the cancellation of this much-loved annual event by the King of the Mountain (KOM) committee, I asked a Question without Notice (QWN) during Parliament to the Queensland Minister for Environment. Understandably, many in our community are upset, however without an available alternative, we encourage all to support the KOM committee in their decision. Remember, it takes a village! The Minister’s full response is available at www.sandybolton.com/pomona-king-of-the-mountain-february-2024
Teewah Cooloola Recreational Area
We have continued our advocacy on the issues impacting Cooloola and the Noosa North Shore including for the release of the overdue recommendations that emanated from the Sustainable Visitor Capacity Management study. As part of these efforts, I asked a Question on Notice (QON) in Parliament requesting information when these recommendations will be released, with a response indicating early 2024, so it must be imminent, finally!
L-R: With Joan Cordell AM; Fab ‘biz’ at the Pomona Chamber of Commerce AGM; Doing the March for Mick
Youth Justice
Over the last month, I have chaired further Youth Justice Reform Committee Public Hearings in South- East Queensland and Rockhampton. As mentioned in our February update, this also included another round of submissions which have now closed. The insights have been invaluable, reiterating common themes, issues, gaps and grief relating to the reality that detention does not deter the specific cohort of repeat offenders cycling through the system. Like previous hearings, there were impassioned calls to end the ‘politicking’ and reiterated multiple times that a bipartisan agreement is the only way forward, not only with youth crime, but all major issues.
The Committee is now considering my draft interim report and recommendations which is due to be tabled on 12 April 2024. Information is available at www.parliament.qld.gov.au/youthjustice including previous issue papers and submissions. A new, unrelated update regarding police recruitments, pursuits and more is available at www.sandybolton.com/police-recruitment-pursuits-and-general-update-march-2024
L-R: Just some moments from the Noosa Festival of Surfing (NFS) 2024
Funded home birthing
In the second half of 2024, having a baby at home will be an option for women who live within 30 minutes from the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. As this doesn’t cover the majority of the Noosa Electorate, we requested the reasoning and for a map to be prepared to capture the radius of eligible areas for greater clarity. Read more at www.sandybolton.com/funded-home-birthing-on-the-sunshine-coast-march-2024
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with a Disability
The latest Queensland Government’s response to the Federal Government’s Royal Commission is available at www.sandybolton.com/royal-commission-into-violence-abuse-neglect-and-exploitation-of-people-with-a-disability-update-february-2024. and have committed to responding to the report by mid-2024. As mentioned previously, we have written to the QLD Minister for Education as well the Minister for Disabilities who I met with last sitting, with reassurance provided that specific concerns from our residents would be considered.
Noosa River
Given the focus of our river during the Council elections, and imminent announcements regarding the second ‘tranche’ of improvements from MSQ which we have reported on previously, in the next edition of Noosa Today I will be attempting to ‘untangle’ the various responsibilities, as well give some reassurances for anyone that may be impacted as a result of any changes. We will continue to update at www.sandybolton.com/?s=Noosa+River.
Noosa Hospital
As many Facebookers have been asking for progress on this, please see my latest Noosa 360 article at www.sandybolton.com/noosa-hospital-general-health-mental-health-services-update-march-2024
L-R: International Women’s Day @ Parliament; Noosan Zuri at Hear and Say ; Public hearings @ Parliament
Brisbane 2032 Olympics
Following the united Crossbench statement and position regarding the 2032 Olympics, progress has been made with the announcement that the Gabba will not be rebuilt, instead a more modest enhancement of an existing facility will be undertaken. In addition, an assurance that costs will remain within the agreed Olympics funding envelope of $7.1 billion to be shared between the State and Commonwealth governments. Further information can be found at www.sandybolton.com/brisbane-2032-olympics-paralympic-games-legacy-update-march-2024.
From the Chamber & Beyond
While in parliament, it was a heartwarming, insightful and tearful experience meeting our young Queenslanders who were not born with, or lost, the gift of hearing. Deep gratitude and hugs to Billy, twins Sienna and Marley, Jacob, Charlotte and Noosa Shire local Zuri Bell whom all fell in love with! Their remarkable journeys remind us of how blessed we are to have what we take for granted. Other events whilst at the ‘People House’ included the QLD Resource Council, QENDO, Down Syndrome QLD, Teen Challenge QLD and more!
L-R: Crossbench Statement on the Olympics; Socks 4 World Down Syndrome Day; @ Youth Justice Reform Hearing
In Chamber, a ‘cognate;’ which is where 2 bills are debated together, is always difficult. This time, the first amended legislation to insert a new affirmative model of consent to having sex saw concerns raised, and it was disappointing to see that despite the issues raised by submitters, only one administrative recommendation was made in the Committee’s report, which led to the question why? This inquiry could have provided a review of issues from a broad range of viewpoints, yet it appears to have been a rushed process that could have been dominated by our flawed defacto ‘Upper House’ with confidentiality of committee meetings and chairs with a casting vote. The other bill made changes to ‘Double Jeopardy’ which has been essential to remedy the forensic science lab debacle.
Opposing my previous Legal Affairs and Safety Committee’s report into the Inquiry into Victims of Crime was not due to the many good recommendations, it was in everything it failed to do! In my Statement of Reservation back last year I said the inquiry was one of ‘monumental failings, shortfalls and shortcomings’ and is not acceptable. Regardless of a request to the Committee of the Legislative Assembly for an extended timeframe, another to the Leader of the House, and a Motion without Notice I did in Chamber to debate our tabled request for an extension of time were all unsuccessful was deeply disturbing, especially as no reason was given.
On the Homefront
To start, gratitude for all who joined our early morning Noosa Clean Up, as well those like myself who ran late on the North Shore! We picked up the usual offenders including nappies, cans, soft plastics and drink bottles (Grr those alco-pops!). Clean Up Australia Day must be everyday, so if you are someone who throws out of your car or boat rubbish, think about the old adage ‘just leave your footprints’? It isn’t that hard to pop the containers of what you consume into a bag until you get to a bin, or home. Thank you NICA coordinators and magic ‘vollies’ for organising the 13 registration locations across our electorate, from beach to bush, you are all gold.
L-R: With our AEO and Youth Member for Noosa Dylan; Kin Kin Roundtable; Fab peeps @ NFS
Even though I was in public hearings in Brisbane for International Women’s Day, I hope my ‘bubbly’ offerings made up for my absence, as well my shared words that this day is much more than a celebration of all that has been and will be achieved by resilient and committed sisters, mothers, grandmothers and beyond. It is a day to stop and reflect that every woman is the greatest influencer in her ‘circle’ to effect positive change for all, including herself. Being an influencer has no required resume, boundaries based on education level or financial capacity as I can testify to, nor discriminations from place of birth. With continuing escalating domestic violence sadly in our households, I asked all fellow Noosans, to accept the life changing role we have in our families and communities by including ‘you’ as part of this year’s theme (#inspireinclusion), as ultimately it is up to us.
It was an honour to again officially open the treasured annual Noosa Festival of Surfing (33 years!) where we all come together, share stories, and celebrate the pure stoke! Thank you to MC John, Malibu President Glen, Lyndon Davis and the Troupe, and the fab team of volunteers, organisers and attendees from across Oz and the world!
L-R: With some really fab Noosa ‘biz’ and shoppers at the Civic Mobile Office aka ‘Moby’
Thank you to all who have been participating in the ‘March for Mick’, in memory of a wonderful Noosan, Mick Sobey, to raise funds for research into bowel cancer treatment. Doing good, is really good for us all, physically and mentally!
When we did our Noosa Civic ‘Moby’, which sadly this year did not include our ‘table’ due to a new policy, we had many fab convos with business owners, staff and shoppers. Topics raised included Beckmans, the decommissioned TAFE site and our Shark Net Survey which we will update to www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360 once completed.
Continuing our Order of Australia / Member of the Order of Australia recipient catch ups, we met with the amazing Noosans Joan Cordell and Dr Christine McConnell who both have received honours for their service to business and medicine respectively. To hear the stories of their lives and what they have accomplished was just magical.
From when we first met pre construction with GenesisCare, to actually seeing it near completion was appreciated, including the ‘bunker’! Estimated to open June/July this year, once operating at full capacity, it will offer advanced radiation therapy and allied health care services to over 500 patients annually with 35% public patients, integrating with existing radiology, pathology, and pharmacy services onsite, and work in partnership with the Noosa Hospital services across surgery, medical oncology, and haematology.
Every single one of us has the ability to influence and affect change in our community and beyond . This year my fabulous AEO Dylan Hafey applied for and has been selected as the Youth Member for Noosa to represent the electorate at the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament. He will work with other selected Youth Members from across the state to draft ‘mock’ legislation, debate them and work with stakeholders. Congratulations Dylan, we are so proud of you!
Regular Reminders
Further information on all of the above and more is avaliable on Noosa 360 at www.sandybolton.com/noosa360. Recent Questions on Notice (QON’s) can be found at www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Questions-on-Notice-and-Answers with latest speeches at www.sandybolton.com/parliament/speeches.
Our office is open 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday, except during public holidays. For community organisations we have the photocopier, marquees, and trailer available at no charge for your use, simply phone and book on 5319 3100. We are also a proud drop off location for DV Safe Phone & Hope in a Suitcase! With so much to share, stay up to date via Noosa 360, Facebook page updates or our monthly newsletters. Columns are in Noosa Today, Coolum Advertiser, Cooroy Rag, Your Local Lifestyle, Forest star and Eastern Beaches News. As always, please contact us on 5319 3100 or via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au to assist with any State Government matter.
L-R: New Gensis Care facility site visit; Parts of Clean up Noosa Day; With Dr Christine McConnell OAM
And finally….
It has been a month where I have been so proud of our community, as well not so with some! Our local elections saw 18 wonderful residents put up their hand for a representative role that over 44,000 others were not prepared to do. And what did we see from the ‘gallery’? A raft of misinformation, ‘sledging’ and Facebook commentary from known and fake profiles targeting candidates. This is not who we are, or what we aspire to Noosa! As I said in a Private Members Statement in Parliament, may the upcoming state elections see a commitment during campaigns that has a focus on information versus disinformation and misinformation, that is respectful, honest and genuine in all ways. We can and must do better.
Congratulations and hugs to every single candidate as you should be more than proud in all ways, including our new Mayor Frank, and Councillors Amelia, Tom, Jess, Brian Nicola, and Karen. I look forward to my first quarterly ‘MP update’ with our new Council as I have done for many years as part of sharing knowledge in efforts for us to deliver together fabulous outcomes for our residents, electorate, and shire, as this is our ‘forever’ home!
With Easter upon us, be assured as always, our teams at MSQ, QPWS and QPS have extra resources, however, please remember they cannot be everywhere at once, and rely on our community to be their ‘eyes’ to report any concerns.
May the Bilby produce lots of ‘choccies’ (dark please!!), the rain stays away, and that everyone has a wonderful time reflecting on how blessed we are to live where we live, and who we live with. Happy Easter!
𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙮
𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙉𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙖
𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘝𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘕𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘢. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦
For Emergencies, head to www.sandybolton.com/keycontacts where a comprehensive list of contacts numbers is available to assist.
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