Wow! Our final newsletter for 2023 is here, and a bumper edition! There is so much to celebrate before my staff go on a well-deserved break, thank you to all encountered at the many Christmas events already held, and to be held! This includes spending Christmas Day with anyone at a ‘loose end’ at our complimentary community lunch which I am again co-hosting with Noosa Salvos, Making Lives Matters and a wonderful band of merry elves including my better half Shoey, Bear and my youngest grandbub Vivienne. It is wonderful to spend time together over food shared, especially when we can bring our furry family, so please join us! You MUST book early as spaces are limited – RSVP with your name/s, phone number and ages/gender of any children before December 20 to 07 5335 8500 or here.
Some moments from Remembrance Day 2023
There has been some ‘ruckusing’ around our river, and again I ask that facts be obtained by calling myself or my office before jumping to conclusions and creating a storm on Facebook! In a nutshell, Maritime Safety QLD (MSQ) undertake compliance efforts regarding river pollution and safety which are standard and for which they have powers to board vessels under legislation. This is not sudden, nor secretive, and increased compliance efforts have resulted from a decade or more of community discontent around State Government management of the river including the increase of unlawful liveaboards reported. As well, the 2 years of work by the Noosa River Advisory Stakeholder Committee (NRASC), and related community consultation last year. All information regarding is available here and here. As reported previously as part of that, the changes surrounding anchoring and mooring were projected to be put forward in 2024, and the process and timelines due out before Christmas. Regarding whether motorised vessels are being banned? Totally untrue, and I cannot understand why this has been touted, whether in relation to Noosa Council’s River Strategy, or MSQ as the maritime boating regulator.
L-R: With Landcare 2023 graduates; The Christmas Community Lunch team; Noosa Flexi Graduation
Thankfully we have received some much-needed rain this month, however, even though the Fire Ban has been lifted, please remain vigilant and do not take any risks, as it is often one minor decision or action, that can lead to the devastation of a community, as we have seen before. We have posted a new Noosa 360 update with relevant links as well information around how fire bans are determined and options for residents with those dreaded ‘empty tanks’ when they occur.
From the Inbox
Regarding our electric bike and scooter advocacy, reforms intended to improve the safety of riders, drivers and pedestrians alike, including harsher penalties and new offences for riders who ride without due care and attention have been introduced into Parliament via the Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Bill. With more information at Noosa 360 via the link below, we look forward to your feedback once these take effect.
Don’t forget Containers for Change is now accepting wine and spirit bottles between 150ml and 3L for 10 cent refunds. I met up with the Brisbane team, as well Dion & Josie from Express Recycling, to check the response so far, with the big blue bins full on day 1! Thank you to everyone who joined us in advocating for this.
L-R: With awarded Landcare Volunteers; Noosa River ‘Moby’; Youth Justice Committee Hearings
On infrastructure, our ongoing efforts for better connectivity for Noosa residents have included seeking a trial train shuttle from Gympie North to Nambour in order to connect with the timetable there, and bus services that address gaps to access work and medical services. Funding has now been secured for the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to open consultation on a Northern Sunshine Coast Transport Strategy following advocacy, and in addition, there is a consultation on the planned Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line which happily was not cut in the Federal Governments review. With Six Mile Bridge #7 replacement now open, it was wonderful to drive across after much advocacy starting back when I was a Councillor. We look forward to the official opening and some bubbles!
Efforts have continued for the establishment of an Advanced Manufacturing Unit for Sunshine Beach State High School, with the advice that pre-construction planning will commence early 2024 in preparation for funding allocations. Regarding the Lake Macdonald Dam Upgrade, following our previous update and a recent meeting with Seqwater, final planning is progressing, and they are on track to providing dates for community consultation by the end of this year, pending approvals.
Further information on all of the above is at www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360. Just use the handy search bar to find your topic of interest.
L-R: With the Noosa Express Recycling team; Six Mile Bridge #7 Replacement; Mobile Police Beat
From the Chamber and Beyond
In Parliament, which included the last sitting and cross bench Valedictory, I spoke on many matters including the increase in mental health impacts to our community, and need for local supports after-hours and on weekends by those familiar with residents portraying as homeless when not, and caring for those that are unable to care for themselves. Gratitude to Matt and the Noosa Salvos who are working with me to to deliver that service, and I look forward to sharing some good news in the coming months. Until then, if you come across anyone homeless, at risk of, or in any need, please contact our office or the numbers we have available at www.sandybolton.com/keycontacts.
For the Property Law Bill, there were a couple of concerns with my Legal Affairs and Safety Committee’s recommendations regarding lease provisions not supported, as well per my Statement of Reservation, the insufficient representation of unit owner groups on the Community Titles Legislation Working Group.
The Body Corporate (BC) Bill, incorporated amendments on smoking, pets, illegally parked cars and termination of BC schemes, with a further amendment to address the 75% provision, not getting over the line. The issues my office has raised are still to be resolved, and we look forward to these being addressed in the next tranche of amendments.
The Local Government (Councillor Conduct) Bill to address the scheme being overly legalistic and complex with adversarial practices, the impacts on both Councillors and the system itself, and the volume of vexatious complainants (VCs), was another missed opportunity. With a new VC process within, will it be enough to see an end to the use of the Tribunal for political and vested interest purposes? Given examples from multiple Members of Parliament regarding party aligned Councillors across the state, I am not convinced, and reiterates why local government representatives should remain apolitical to avoid the stoushes we’ve heard about. Thank you to all Councillors who work so hard for our communities, and we wish you and all candidates well as you head to the polling booths in March 2024!
L-R: Gratitude for Altitude! Zonta says no to DFV; Noosaville Library and Leisure Centre 30th Birthday
In a Private Members Statement, I spoke of the need to prioritise early interventions in multiple realms which ultimately saves taxpayer dollars as well lives. Whether in relation to school absenteeism, mental health, housing or criminality, we need to ensure budget considerations are made at every level of government that move beyond an election cycle to one that incorporates a lifetime. That we have children sleeping rough due to their parents declining housing assistance or due to their mental health, is unfathomable, and an example of where we need to step in.
Other speeches included on the Victims of Violence Assistance Bill, with the dreaded ‘guillotine’ dropping, preventing me from speaking on the Privacy of Information Bill. Given ongoing community concerns regarding unsolicited robocalls, polls and emails, that I could not raise the issues of those Reply-Paid envelopes again to alert our communities was frustrating, as this is one way that your information may be captured without you realising!
L-R: @ the Victims of Crime Day 2023; The Royal Flying Doctors; North Peregian- Marcus Beach NW AGM
As reported, I was invited to speak by the Australasian Study of Parliament Group on the reality of our two-party system. There were common calls for ‘reform’ from all speakers, which is where the diversity came in! As shared, my long-sought changes to key areas including the committee system would see vast improvements in representation and governance, which would be a positive and does not mean throwing the baby out with the bathwater?
Victims of Crime Day this year had the theme of ‘hope’ which brought light, as well some tears. Victim survivors brought forward the reality of how every situation is different, including the healing. We learnt much including how you may not realise that you are living with domestic violence, that we need services and supports for male victims, that we don’t ‘tell’ for fear of being ostracised, and importantly, that help is everywhere. It was good to catch up with our interim Victims Commissioner John, head of the Homicide Victims Support Group Brett, and the many agencies, organisations and volunteers that dedicate their lives to victims. All incredible people who have our deep gratitude.
As you may have seen on television, at the time of writing, my Youth Justice Reform Select Committee held its first round of public hearings. What we have learnt is both concerning, as well reassuring in that there is a lot of good work being done to reduce reoffending. However there are gaps, intergenerational contributors, mental health factors and transitional provisions that will be part of our further investigations, as well schooling and health.
Being focused on developing an evidence based approach, and identifying potential solutions for both the now and into the future is key, before consulting more broadly with Queenslanders including travel to regional areas early February. Submissions are still open and can still be made until 12pm, Wednesday 10 January 2024, with a reminder that you can request that the committee treat it as confidential. Further information is available here.
There were many ‘before’ and ‘after’ hours events and meetings including with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Isolated Childrens Parents Association, which took me back some 37 years ago when I was in the Northern Territory and on committee with our ‘local’ branch, and in Northwest QLD. It has been a big month!
L-R: Cooran Organic Garden AGM; Noosaville SS Graduation; Students @ the Culinary Academy
On the Homefront
Thank you to all in our community who paused to remember, thank and reflect on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. While releasing a white dove at the Tewantin Noosa RSL service, I reflected on our veterans and their bravery, both then and now. Gratitude to all including our current and former servicemen and women, and our frontliners for all that you have done and do for us. We will never forget.
Noosans peacefully walked together to continue raising awareness of domestic and family violence (DFV). In my impromptu speech, I shared the realities from our Youth Justice Hearings including the high volume of recidivist juvenile offenders who come from DFV affected homes. It is up to all of us to break this cycle of where victims become perpetrators, not just government or organisations. It takes a village, and we need to act now in multiple realms including at schools. Gratitude to the Noosa Zonta team for organising and all the work they do in this space!
L-R: Combined Business & Government Forum; New sports facility @ Noosa Pengari School; Noosa Tiny Homes
Goorijala Learning hub on our Eastern Beaches, which received one of our MP Funded ‘Seeds for Change’ grants last year, has come to fruition with the establishment of shade and water at Sunrise Beach. Great fun was had at the opening, including a podcast where I was ‘assistant chef’ with Sam cooking up a roo bolognaise for everyone to enjoy! Another of our grant recipients was the newly established Cooran Organic Garden. Healthy food grown together is key to sustainability and connectiveness, with these gardens providing a nourishing space to share concerns, tips, skills and beautiful produce! There is nothing better than home loved and grown, and you can join in for free!
Our 2024 MP Quick Start Grants from our office operating budget will open in February, and due to an emergency situation, we have released an early one to assist Lorraine and the Noosa’s Classy Helpers team. This to cover the increase in prices of fresh fruit and vegetables, ensuring nearly one thousand Noosans in need can celebrate this Christmas with gifts, clothes and food that has been donated and fundraised for throughout the year.
On our youngest Noosans, the Peregian Kindy Fete fundraiser demonstrated what a village can do! President Kelly provided an update on the MP funded start of the Sensory Garden, with funds raised from the fete going to its continued staged journey. We even met with some slithery friends, with Basil happily posing for many photos! Noosa Pengari Steiner School opened their self-funded sport and art complexes, which are fantastic! Congratulations to all involved including business manager Cathy and Principal Francis on these projects, with more to come!
Graduation time is so special! How I wish I could have attended all, however due to Parliament and Committee hearings, was only able to get to the Noosa Flexi and Noosaville celebrations, which were fabulous! Congratulations and huge mega good wishes to our students heading out to a ‘gap year’, university or to work. To all of our Altitude scholarship holders, who every year keep excelling up in their fields from sciences to the arts, congratulations! We love following your journeys, including Zara who had us all in awe at the Sunshine Coast Business Awards 2023.
The North Peregian- Marcus Beach Neighbourhood Watch AGM (it’s 33rd!) was insightful, especially to hear the difference it makes when we are knowledgeable, watchful and keep in communications with our police. Thank you to all including officer Mark from Coolum station who updated on many matters, including around our youngsters.
This year marked 75 years of the Pomona Bowls Club, and it was wonderful to celebrate, with 10 visiting teams over yummy fish, chips and cake, the history of this club and its volunteers shared by one of the longest serving members Judith, who alongside husband Keith joined in the 60’s. Pomona being the site of the first Noosa Council Chambers, Courthouse and our Museum, I shared some memories from over the decades, and it was wonderful for Shoey and I to catch up with coach Charlie and many other buds! Another milestone was Noosa Golf Club General Manager (GM) Al’s retirement who, after 15 years at the helm, is handing over the ‘reins’ to new GM Anthony. It was lovely to be there to wish both well and catch up with many golfing ‘rascals’ who have not aged one bit since I worked there!
L-R: At the Noosa Tri 2023; Noosa ‘Biz’ at the Sunshine Coast Awards; Wall Climbing at the Peregian Kindy Fete
The Noosa Triathlon started with 180 competitors 40 years ago, with this year 13,000, and what a sight all those racked bikes were! To share a stool with John, who was on the original Committee all those years ago, and cheer on our many Noosans competing was wonderful! The logistics for this event are enormous, and that this race rates number 1 in the world is something we should be proud of. Efforts to decrease impacts by the road closures and congestion were obvious, and Shoey and I tested the electric Kinetic shuttle from the Junction, which was easy to use although yes, it did demonstrate the need for a transit lane!
The 8th annual Combined Government & Business Forum, organised by Sunshine Coast Business Council, as always ignited ‘food for thought’. Presenters gave examples where government and the private sector have partnered to reinvigorate or resolve problems in innovative ways, and how important it is to have systems that create that ‘space’. Thank you also to fellow panellists who were questioned about ‘How can 3 Tiers of Government Effectively Collaborate to Deliver Infrastructure?’. Examples were discussed where this is already happening, as well the difficulties surrounding changing governments with differing priorities.
L-R: Noosa Golf Club new GM Anthony and members; Pomona Bowls Club celebrate 75 years; @Parkyn’s Hut
As I outlined, there are ways to create greater surety via bipartisan agreements fostered through a ‘tweaked’ committee system, and binding intergovernmental agreements as they have in Canada. Even though there understandably were some frustrations from attendees in relation to responses, this event highlighted the ongoing need to move to governance systems that focus on delivering confidence to communities and projects, versus the instability that occurs when much needed infrastructure is delayed through mechanisms including combative politics!
At the Sunshine Coast Business Awards, 20 of our fabulous Noosa ‘Biz’ were finalists, with Laguna Pest Control, Nikki Fogden-Moore, White’s IGA and Sunny Kids of special mention. In the Queensland Tourism Awards, Pelican Boat Hire was awarded a bronze, with RACV Noosa and Tourism Noosa achieving silver. In amongst, with ‘small living’ demand outstripping supply, it was fabulous to see another addition to our tiny home (TH) businesses. Thank you to Nat and Mitch for the tour of your workshop in Noosaville, which not only builds the homes, as well the trailers.
In amongst the many events, meetings and zoom sessions were lots of favourites including a Citizenship Ceremony, Noosa River Mobile Office, Noosa Libraries 30th Birthday and the Noosa Landcare AGM. In addition, meetings with Airservices Australia, Noosa Biosphere Foundation and many advocates from teachers to environmentalist! Thank you to all who took the time to lend their experiences and information as part of our research into solutions.
L-R: With Emma & Aysha from the Justice Initiative; With Noosa Classy Lady Lorraine; Citizenship Ceremony
Grants & Office Reminders
With over one (1) million dollars in grants awarded to Noosa businesses and organisations from State Government for community projects this year, congratulations to all involved and gratitude for your efforts! Further information on State Government grant opportunities is at www.grants.services.qld.gov.au/#/ or https://grantguru.com/au.
Our office is open 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday.
We close for Christmas on Friday 22 December reopening Mon 8 January 2024. For community organisations, we have the photocopier, marquees, and trailer at no charge for use, simply phone and book on 53193100. We are also a proud drop off location for DV Safe Phone & Hope in a Suitcase!
In addition, we are a collection point this Christmas for gifts for Noosa families fleeing domestic violence, so drop in and pop under our tree gift vouchers or escape/dignity bag items before 12 December.
Have Your Say & Stay Updated
Don’t forget to have your say on our annual Noosa MP Community Survey to determine our state government priorities for 2024! Head to www.sandybolton.com/your-say-annual-survey. With so much to share, stay up to date via Noosa 360, our 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.
Recent Questions on Notice (QON’s) can be found at www.sandybolton.com/parliament/questions and latest speeches at www.sandybolton.com/parliament/speeches
And finally….
You know how I love Christmas, and like fellow Noosans, we grab supplies, shut the gate to avoid the frenzy, and do all those things many take for granted! Immersing in ‘free things’ like walking, swimming, tree and star gazing, playing games with the grandies, including cards, and taking time to tell loved ones how much they mean to us. As well, extending an invitation to anyone we know who may be sad, to come and do these things with us. It is amazing what a difference it makes to all of us. Oh and of course, the tradition of eating leftovers! My favourite? Bubble ‘n squeak!
Have a wonderful, safe holiday season, and from my household to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy 2024! Be assured that our teams are all on standby, as I will be, with all emergency and services contact numbers available here. And when I do venture out, I look forward to seeing you enjoying our beautiful home, including on the river paddling which I am determined to do every morning!
𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙮🙏
𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙉𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙖
𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘝𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘕𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘢. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦.
To avoid missing out on important updates, subscribe to receive this monthly newsletter via email at www.sandybolton.com/newsletters. This will also ensure you are advised when Noosa MP specific surveys are held. Paper copies can be picked up from our office at Noosa Civic at the start of every month.
