As we farewell summer, with wild weather forecasted as I write due to Cyclone Alfred, if you have not already made preparations please head NOW to www.getready.qld.gov.au and for Noosa information use the Disaster Dashboard at https://disaster.noosa.qld.gov.au/ Stay alert and safe, check on elderly relatives, neighbours and friends, and we will post to Facebook alerts as they become available. 🙏

With a new government and Parliament, understandably there are some delays on responses, and I ask everyone to give the ‘newbies’ time to get their feet under the table and both sides of the house to adapt to their new roles which has been difficult as seen by some dreadful behaviours in Chamber?

Annual Survey Results

Thank you to all who took the time to share their views in our annual Noosa MP Community Survey, with health services, policing, and Noosa River management identified as the top three most important issues for our community. The significant majority ‘for’ votes included to increase funding for hospice and in-home palliative care and the capping of election donations among others. With many of the state concerns raised already in the process of being addressed, we encourage residents to check the full survey results as well other updates on at www.sandybolton.com/noosa360. Our other issue-based survey on two very different topics, a public child sex offender register and fluoridisation of water has now closed and we will be posting the results in the coming days.

L-R: At THRIVE Noosa; With Sunshine Butterflies; Tourism Noosa @Halse Lodge

HOT & ‘COOLER’ ISSUES

State Facilitated Development

As reported, the Tewantin State Facilitated Development (SFD) has entered public consultation phase, closing on Monday 10 March. The application does not address the community’s previous concerns with compliance to the Noosa Planning Scheme, including regarding height. As updated in November, the new Government passed legislation to allow the Minister to revise or revoke a SFD application, not to prevent the process, therefore residents need to be very clear in their expectations to the Minister regarding. Please send submissions to SFD@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au and copy in our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au. Information on the application can be found at www.planning.qld.gov.au/planning-framework/development-assessment/state-facilitated-development.

Noosa Hospital Update

It was good to catch up with Noosa Hospital CEO Karl, Director of Finance Dean, and Ramsay Australia CEO Carmel to check on the emergency expansion progress with no concerns raised. Having reiterated to the new Health Minister the importance of continuing to move forward as quickly as possible, we look forward to progress reports. For information on our ongoing advocacy regarding the Noosa Hospital visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=Noosa+Hospital

L-R: With Spencer, Jarrah and film crew, Environmental Offset Site, @ Zero Emissions Noosa

Grasstree Court Environmental Offset Site

We visited the two-million-dollar rehabilitation program in Wallum Lane created to mitigate the effects from tree removal at the Grasstree Court site, and again our thanks for the tireless work and advocacy of Spencer and the community. The program included planting one thousand she-oaks for the black glossy cockatoo, as well three hundred and seventy-five koala feed trees on three hectares of weed infested former waste land. As well the transplanting of topsoil from the Grasstree Court site which has seen the sprouting of hundreds of native plants. What has been a difficult time has also left us with valuable learnings for our future. We also learnt at the Keyton development site, that the majority of homes have already sold off-plan to downsizing locals whose own home sales will free up larger family sized accommodations, and we hope this will assist in our current housing crisis.

L-R: My HEI Committee at Kedron State Emergency Centre

Noosa River Management Plan

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) have commenced the next stages of the Noosa River management plan, advising new anchoring restrictions for Woods Bay and Dog Beach areas from 24 February, as well Little Woods Bay from 24 March. Following our advocacy during the commencement of the initial anchoring restrictions in July 2024, a trial to allow vessels between five and seven point five metres to anchor for two hours a day was implemented and will also be extended to these new areas. This demonstrates that MSQ continues to respond to community feedback and we encourage residents to continue providing this via sunshinecoast.maritime@msq.qld.gov.au and our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au. A reminder that for those on the mooring waiting list to ensure MSQ have your current contact details and boat registration to avoid missing out should your time come! For updates on the Noosa River, please visit https://www.sandybolton.com/?s=noosa+river.

Lake Macdonald Dam Upgrade

We have received the requested graph of the estimated monthly volume of truck movements over the next four years for this project which does not break down specific routes as this will be dependent on which of the four quarries, including Kin Kin, are supplying and at what stage. Following recent community information engagement sessions, there have been requests from residents for a speed reduction on Lake Macdonald Drive during construction and Seqwater has written to Noosa Council accordingly.  The full update with graphs is available at https://www.sandybolton.com/?s=lake+macdonald

L-R: With Noosa Hospital Executive Team; Container Exchange; Sunshine Coast Inspector & Noosa OIC

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour

With unacceptable incidents and theft in our rural communities over the last month, we met with Sunshine Coast District Inspector John and Noosa Station Officer-in-Charge Nick for an update, as well on strategies relating to their zero-tolerance approach to crime and youth anti-social behaviours. We ask all residents to report any incidents to police in the first instance via Policelink on 131 444 and spread the word to neighbours and networks. Reports indicate the majority of this behaviour is not being committed by locals, rather visitors or ‘drive throughs’ from elsewhere.

FROM THE CHAMBER

Youth Crime

As demonstrated by ongoing home invasions, car thefts and other serious offences across Queensland, the fear of increased incarceration through the ‘Adult Time, Adult Crime’ legislation is not deterring offenders. Hence why the new government must fast-track all remaining Youth Justice Inquiry recommendations, including lowering the threshold for declaration of serious repeat offender and targeting those who are a risk to their communities with mandated rehabilitation before they can commit their next offence. My latest speech regarding is at https://bit.ly/3D7O4sB and to view the sixty Youth Justice Inquiry recommendations visit https://bit.ly/yji60recommendations.

L-R: Queensland Friends of Tourism; Parliament Welcome to Country; Pharmaceutical Society Australia

Stamp Duty and Payroll Tax Exemptions

While recent changes to the Duties Act will not resolve the housing crisis, they will assist in small ways, including potentially freeing up extra rooms to rent. However, as I said in my recent speech in Parliament, duty relief will make little difference to areas such as Noosa that lack affordable housing or to those fleeing domestic and family violence, the leading cause of homelessness among women. Payroll tax exemptions for General Practitioners are welcomed, as they may assist in curbing health costs, though this should be extended to specialists, including mental health professionals, to ensure costs are not passed on to vulnerable individuals requiring these services. To read my full speech, visit https://bit.ly/RevenueLegislationAmendmentBill.

Parliament Before and After Hours

In between the hours of debate in Chamber, we covered a lot of ground with various meetings including representatives from several advocacy organisations such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and Cancer Council.  We also dropped in to see MPs testing their swing with the Parliamentary Friends of Golf, met delegates from the Australian Rugby League Commission, discussed the development of Destination 2045 with some of our tourism industry leaders, and were updated on the incredible achievements and activities of our Scouts.

L-R: Noosa ‘Biz’ Catch-up; Three Artists One Family Art Show; Cooroy Sconetime

HEIC State Emergency Command Centre

Along with other members of the Health, Environment and Innovation Committee (HEIC) we visited the central operating site for our emergency service, meeting members of the team and witnessing the cutting-edge tech behind Queensland’s emergency and disaster response. This included a tour of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Operations Centre, where the Clinical Hub, that assesses patients who call 000, is located. In addition, the Retrieval Service Centre, which coordinates all aeromedical retrieval and transport. We were also shown the Queensland Fire Department HQ and the State Disaster Coordination Centre. Given the magnitude of what they incorporate in their daily responses and strategies, such as the recent flooding in Northern Queensland, we should be deeply thankful for their work. Gratitude to Chief Operating Officer Stephen Zsombok, QAS Medical Director Stephen Rashford, Assistant Commissioners Matthew Burlow, Alex Thompson and David Hartley, and Nursing Commissioner Donna McLean for the insightful tour and for answering our questions.

ON THE HOMEFRONT

Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club

Earlier in the month, the Sunshine Beach Surf Lifesaving Club (SBSLSC) held its inaugural supporter club Staff Awards night, where we had the privilege of presenting the Choice and Team Players Awards and meeting some of their youngest staffers coming through the club’s training program. We also commended Ava and Kieran who recently took out the gold at the Under 15s QLD State Championships. Following this at the SBSLSC Life and Board Member Dinner we had more victories to celebrate with Electra, the club’s first Iron Series winner, and Lachie who with his fellow teammates Zion and Nic triumphed at the Moloka’i to O’ahu Paddleboard Championships. All wonderful examples of this organisation’s training, coaching and support, both for their athletes and their staff.

L-R: SBSLSC Staff Awards night & Life and Board Member Dinner

Phil Moran Retirement

A packed Noosa & District Landcare celebrated the incredible Noosan, Phil, as he heads into a very well earnt retirement! Described over the last 30 years as a legend, top guy, visionary and an amazing leader, I was privileged as one of the speakers to share how he has bettered us individually and as a community, has been a shining light to all, and made being environmentally conscious very cool! We all shed a tear as this dude is very loved, and we will miss his wisdom, ‘Philisms’ and all-round passion, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see him still turn up as a volunteer.

Events and Gatherings

Just some examples included our Noosa businesses gathering at First Class functions and Halse Lodge for updates from the Chamber and Tourism Noosa, with the hot topics being, needed feedback to the Small Business Commissioner, who we have also been liaising with on red tape reduction, as well Destination 2045 submissions. Cooroy Sconetime was ‘jam-packed’ with love, laughter scones and tea alongside our matriarchs, patriarchs and students from Cooroy State School. Incredible creations from the Koch family included mind-bending augmented reality art which is a must see. With over one hundred students trained in hospitality in 2024, we grabbed a coffee at THRIVE café, a Noosa Salvos program that is empowering young Noosans through skills to excel at and after school. In amongst, sadly some farewells to dear residents who passed during the month, and our condolences to all of their loved ones during what has been a very difficult time.

Meetings, drop-ins and catch-ups

Too many to mention however all very welcomed! These included with Sunshine Butterflies CEO Leanne to discuss the financial and housing challenges for our all-abilities residents, Brendan and Tristan from Full Circle Wellness on the importance of exercise physiology to ease the burden on our health system, our Coastguard on the transition and Container Exchange (COEX) on upcoming campaigns to better our recycling statistics! Our Local Disaster Management Group meeting was very productive with updates on a number of issues, including improvements to the Noosa Disaster Dashboard, black spot progress and disaster preparedness for our elderly.

L-R: Phil Moran Retirement; Meeting with Kell General Manager of MSQ; Health, Environment and Innovation Committee

And finally…

After various meetings, as well some situations that have arisen over the last month on decreasing mental wellbeing in our community, a reminder about the assistance available should you, or someone you know, be struggling. This includes for those whoare caring for someone about ‘setting boundaries’ as part of vital self-care, which is a must! We also must be mindful about how we respond online and in person with those who are demonstrating changes in behaviours, including inappropriate, vitriolic or divisive commentary that can be an early indicator of several conditions.

‘Liking’ or supporting these behaviours or comments online does not assist anyone, especially those who are writing them. Instead, if a friend, call or private message them for a catch up to check how they are. There are some good online resources for carers, relatives and friends from various organisations including ARAFMI and I caught up with Irene alongside Celine from the new support group Cooroy Mental Health Carer Connection Group so, please let your networks know as they are extremely knowledgeable and caring.

Until next month, always remember to be kind, and be the change you wish to see in the world.

𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙮🙏

𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙉𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙖

𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘝𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘕𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘢. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦