NEW HALL FOR POMONA CAMPUS

Last week we were thrilled to announce Noosa District State High School Pomona Campus will soon receive a state-of-the-art new hall, with an updated budget of $13 million. A fabulous asset for the school and wider community with a capacity for 1000 people! Further information is available at https://noosatoday.com.au/news/31-05-2023/13m-hall-for-pomona-campus.

HOUSING FOR DV VICTIMS – WE GOT THERE!

The partnership between Coast 2 Bay and Bendigo Bank saw a contribution from our local branches of $500,000, the biggest ‘changemaker’ ever, demonstrating how a difference can really be made. With the land already located, and a project cost over 2.9 million, I have no doubt of the state government funding to complete this, with an estimated completion by November 2024. Further information is available at www.bit.ly/SandyBoltonMPFBpost_1June2023

SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS

21 Noosa Electorate businesses were successful in the last round, earning collectively $110,000. Congratulations to those. Next round opens 19 June and closes 14 July. Further information is available at www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/schedule

LAND TAX

Of continued concern, is the increases in State Government land tax due to increases in land valuations, which flow on to already burdened households and businesses in the ongoing fallout from COVID, including an inability to access staff. We have a number of investors including ‘mum & dad’ owners who will need to pass on these increases to their tenants., which is unacceptable for those already under severe financial stress. We have added to our previous advocacy to the Treasurer now to freeze the tax increase to the 2021 valuations for residential and commercial properties that are being rented out, and reform the system by providing Queenslanders the details of how each individual property valuation was arrived at, as well establishing an independent body to assess objections.

UNITY WATER

A reminder that they have released their new pricing structure which comes into effect on the 1st of June however first bill will only include 50% of the increases in a staged approach. Even though Unity Water is not in the State government realm, we have information to assist at www.sandybolton.com/unity-water-pricing-structure-change-march-2023

STAGE 2 RENTAL REFORMS

The consultation on this has now closed, and we have compiled the vast examples from residents shared with us into a submission to the Minister. As owners pointed out, if they cannot sustain renting out their properties, will Government ensure those who were renting them, can then buy? Further information is available at https://yoursay.chde.qld.gov.au/hub-page/stage-2-rental-law-reform

TAFE SITE

The community and successful proponents have displayed great patience over this very frustrating time. Although we are still unable to disclose further details, we are confident everyone will be excited to see their restoration plans for the site, and once we have permission to share these, we will do so as soon as possible!

COOLOOLA GREAT WALK

There has been debate in our community about the impact of different parts of the Nature Conservation Act on the management of the Great Sandy National Park and proposed Cooloola Great Walk project. In order to get some clarity, we have collated information researched as a Q&A available at  www.sandybolton.com/ecotourism-the-nature-conservation-act-and-the-cardinal-principle-may-2023.  Suggestions have been made to stop any commercial developments in National Parks, and as discussed in the Q&A, this is not simple.  We have requested proposals from the community for suitable amendments to the Act to address concerns whilst considering indigenous endeavours. Once that has been received, we can poll our electorate on what you would like to see happen. With the understandable confusion on the differences between Path to Treaty, the Voice to Parliament, Indigenous Land Use Agreements and Native Title, in the next Noosa Today on Friday I continue the ‘untangling’,and will post to Facebook and Noosa360.

TEEWAH AIRFIELD

Thank you to all who submitted to DES’s survey including Noosa Council regarding the future use. Even though the form this consultation took was misleading, confusing, and did not contain the essential facts needed for the community to respond in a meaningful way which we have already raised with the new environment minister. The safety and security of residents and visitors to the Noosa North Shore is paramount, as is ensuring that community endeavours and activities are not diminished. Once DES come out with the results of the survey, we will provide an update. Our last update regarding is available at www.sandybolton.com/ecotourism-the-nature-conservation-act-and-the-cardinal-principle-may-2023.

Standard Reminders

QLD SMALL BUSINESS COMMISSIONER –

Provides dispute assistance and mediation for small businesses. Although they cannot arbitrate matters, make rulings, give directions or issue orders, they will work with you in good faith to help you explore your options and find an informal resolution to your dispute. Contact can be made via 1300 312 344 with further information at www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-assistance/qsbc.

SMALL BUSINESSES SEEKING SUPPORT –

Small Business Hotline at 1300 654 687 or you can email the Department of Small Business and Training with further information at www.business.qld.gov.au

SMALL BUSINESS NEWSLETTER –

There is a small business and training department newsletter that you can be subscribe to. This will notify you of new educational webinars and other resources as they become available. Further information is available at www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/support/small-business/connect

FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE –

Our office posts  on Facebook all the new grants that have opened and other news that has been notified through the week. We are also now using LinkedIn to notify Noosa businesses when new grants are open.

ARE YOU A BUSINESS EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH STATE GOVERNMENT?

Please feel free to contact my office anytime on 5319 3100 or via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au. Keep up to date on our latest efforts by subscribing to our email newsletter at www.sandybolton.com/newsletters. This will also ensure you receive Noosa State Electorate specific surveys. We also have information and updates on many local matters available at www.sandybolton.com/noosa360.