State Members of Parliament have a set amount of funds allocated to operate their Electorate Offices annually for the purchase of equipment, mail outs, community event hosting as well as other ‘day to day’ expenses. We can also use these funds for advertising on billboards, newspapers and radio, which we have never done as I believe where possible these allocations should be used to benefit the residents of our Electorate rather than the office bearer. This year 30% of our funds went to 30 of our small organisations from beach to bush in response to their call out for Quick Start or Emergency grants to support their services to our Electorate and their volunteers including fuel vouchers.  Further information including the full list of recipients is available here.

In previous years we have funded our disadvantaged youth to access their passions, major initiatives via our ‘Seeds for Change’ Grants as well emergency accommodations during the housing crisis. In addition, the ‘Be: Noosa Connect-SCUH Transport Pilot’ for vulnerable residents who were ineligible for other subsidies, and a host of other changemaker initiatives to address the needs of our community which we are enormously proud of! Thank you for everything that you do, and congratulations to all who continue to inspire us all to do better.

L-R: LASC Parliamentary Hearing; Noosa Rotary ‘Fellows’  Presentation @ Bunnings; NACSA exhibition

From the Chamber and Beyond

There was no Parliament sitting this month due to Estimates preparations, however plenty of Legal Affairs and Safety Committee meetings, public inquiries and submissions to Bills including around integrity. As you have heard me mention previously, we have a broken Committee and Estimates system that as standard minutes are not released, and casting votes from government chairs ensure that the opposition often cannot get needed recommendations into committee reports, nor stop its passage. In addition, I continue to oppose a process that does not allow Questions on Notice to the various committees during Estimates as the timing allocated to the Crossbench does not allow at the public hearings for each of the four parties, and myself as an Independent, to each ask a question. With Queensland being a unicameral parliament without an Upper House, having the most effective committee system possible is essential, and after 4 years of fighting for a review, I am more determined than ever to see the recommendations from Professor Coaldrake implemented. To read my speech on this, please visit here.

Not so much in the Chamber, however state related, is the upcoming draft of the South- East Queensland Regional Planning Scheme. Understandably we have major concerns with the projected population increases released by State Government for the Noosa Shire, and I will be working alongside Council to get those projections down as they are neither sustainable, sensible or realistic. When the draft is released for public consultation, I will post up to Facebook and send to newsletter subscribers and ask all to submit as we need everyone behind us in this endeavour to retain what has been determined as our ‘capacity’ in our own planning scheme. Should we not be able to negotiate these numbers down, I will be leading a charge, similar to what we saw in efforts to stop amalgamation. There is no room for complacency, nor misunderstandings about the home that has been so hard fought for.

On the Homefront

There was so much on, and as always this meant I missed out on some due to diary clashes, however I was there in spirit! This included the annual organisational ‘Change Over’ dinners, and it was an absolute pleasure to attend the Noosa Rotary, Noosa Lions, Noosa QCWA, Cooroy QCWA and the Noosa Red Cross AGMs. We send a hearty ‘thank you’ to all outgoing executives and to the incoming ones, with gratitude to all the magnificent ‘vollies’ on a year that saw so much achieved. We had a fabulous Mobile Office ‘Moby’ in the Noosaville industrial area with serious conversations and many laughs in sheds, driveways and showrooms! It was fascinating to see so much diversity and talent, from activewear and website designers, car restorers and preloved furniture to plumbers and mechanics, and a terrific opportunity to catch up with our new ‘biz’ and hand deliver newsletters to our operators. We also very much enjoyed the morning coffee catchup of our Noosa Chamber, and as mentioned in my Budget 2023/24 reply speech, the lack of increase in support for our businesses is glaring given ongoing challenges from lack of staff, increased rentals, inflation and monetary policy responses on interest rates. These are our ‘backbone’ and major employers, and more support is needed.

L-R: Cake cutting @ the Cooroy Ambulance 100th; Noosa CCIQ catchup; Laughs on the Noosa Industrial ‘Moby’

A century of heroism and selflessness of the Cooroy Ambulance was celebrated with hundreds in attendance, and to honour awardees for their efforts during cyclones, floods, and fires. On show were fabulous historical photos of canvas wood stretchers that were hand pushed by two bearers, as well the original defibrillators which looked extremely heavy! Congratulations to all who were honoured including Lucy Andrews (Gardner), Leah Jarvis, Troy Jones, Gary Lewis, Lou-Anne Page, Benjamin Phipps, Thomas Lausen, Charmaine Paterson, Ronald Pratt and Marcus Scott, and to Linley and the Local Ambulance Committee for a wonderful event. A special call out to paramedic Mel who cooked and crafted the phenomenal cake with edible picture of the first Cooroy Station 100 years ago, and to all in attendance!

The PTSD Dogs Graduation saw these wonderful companions and life savers getting their ‘badges’ to now head off to do everything from helping to rebuild relationships, warn of an impending heart attack, right through to comforting our veterans and first responders who suffer from PTSD. These are very special relationships of great interest to the research community, especially in the connectiveness between us and our furry friends. The Noosa Arts and Crafts Association 30th celebrations were divine, held at the very historic Wallace House, which has many interesting tales. Going back, when Council first purchased to prevent demolition, the original quilters hand oiled the floors, had to sleep there as part of security (no cameras and alarms back then!) and went through many hardships including two fires. This ‘grand dame’ has stood the test of time, as have the original members who shared their stories, with much laughter and love of what they do in creating beautiful crafts and arts, as well memories in the huge tapestry that is our community. It was also an honour to open their new exhibition ‘Reflections’ which gave great inspiration to look at our past, as part of treasuring our present, to provide for our future!

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ‘JPs in the Community Program’, we gathered to acknowledge our Justices of the Peace (JPs) and present the 25 year and 40 year service awards amongst 30 recipients whose total commitment was 790 years, yes, 790, in our community, with last year alone over 130,000 hours spent ensuring we are assisted with some really important aspects of our lives, including wills. Coinciding, we presented a 25 years long-service award to Robert Schmitt, who also celebrated his 78th year on the same day. It was a special treat to meet his family including newborn granddaughter, as well sing him Happy Birthday!

There were so many meetings this month that I cannot even start to relay. From a catch up with Noosa Coastguard who are getting ready for the transition into the new integrated state government body known as ‘Marine Rescue QLD’, to an entity that is about to release an initiative for you to reduce your electricity bill as well emissions. In addition, the Sunshine Coast Community Aviation Forum where I requested information regarding the increase in air traffic over Cooroy, and with advocates on a number of issues, it has been a big month!

From the Inbox

Our ‘inbox’ was relatively quiet, however our ‘outgoing’, not so much, especially in relation to chasing updates on issues, as well welcoming many new Noosans listed on our Electoral Roll.  This month alone I signed 394 letters (no electronic signature there, just ask my hand!) to be delivered via ‘snail mail’ including our youngsters enrolling to vote for the very first time! These provide vital information including resources on where to go for assistance, the roles of local, state and federal government, links to Noosa history and much more! We also encourage all to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on matters that are important to our community, which also ensures they are alerted to Noosa MP specific surveys and polls.

On the subject of surveys, currently open is one on the proposed Cooloola Great Walk Eco Project, which has created some confusion, and I ask that you take a minute, or more, to respond, as well share with your neighbours and friends as it is so important to have everyone’s voices heard! The survey is open until 8 September 2023 and is available at www.bit.ly/CooloolaGreatWalkSurvey.

Even though not in the Noosa State Electorate, the lack of progress on the Cooroy intersections is of concern. As highlighted in my Budget reply speech, both Noosa and Nicklin State Electorate residents are at risk daily from these. The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) previously investigated options of both roundabouts and traffic signals as part of early planning for upgrades in response to our advocacies, with traffic signals identified as the preferred option for safety, pedestrian access and to avoid private land resumptions. In response to my recent letter to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, we have been advised no funding is currently allocated, hence we need to get active in efforts to have these intersections made a priority for upgrading, so please add your voices by writing to NCR_Planning_Comms@tmr.qld.gov.au. Whilst doing this, if you live within the Noosa State Electorate, cc’ us via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or if you live in the Nicklin State Electorate, please cc’ Rob Skelton MP at nicklin@parliament.qld.gov.au. If you are unsure which electorate you live in, you can search by address here. Currently we have not had success in securing a community meeting with TMR in conjunction with the Nicklin State MP Rob, however to move forward we have requested what funds are required for TMR to re-engage.

L-R: With the 2024 Noosa QCWA Executive; The incoming Red Cross Executive; Thomas Yorkston 100th Birthday

On another ‘chase’ is housing, and as I responded to media, the Department of Resources handed over a suitable site (the former House with No Steps) for a transportable/Tiny Homes village for our workers and families to the Sunshine Coast Council four years ago. Regardless of our efforts since 2018 to secure this site for an interim solution to our emergency, affordable and disability housing needs, this site has been relatively unused. Why? The reasons proffered included that it is ‘too far from town’, which it is not, as our workers have cars and are currently sleeping in them! Instead of ‘why we can’t’ we need to look at ‘why we must’ to avoid homelessness, and evictions of families in their tiny homes from private properties.  This site is currently out for tender, and even though not in the Noosa Electorate, I have again implored our Community Housing providers and the Department of Housing to secure this site to provide interim solutions until permanent projects in the pipeline have been delivered.

In response to concerns raised that crime and alcohol fuelled violence has escalated in Noosa, we have posted to Noosa 360 data and information. Whilst we have a full complement of officers with 24/7 manned station and patrols, mobile police beat and highway patrols that operate random breath tests and speed enforcement operations, the reality is that they cannot be everywhere at once. Hence, it is important for all of us to be their ‘eyes’ and report any suspicious or bad behaviour immediately in efforts of prevention to  000 (emergencies) or Policelink on 131 444 (non-emergencies) or online here.  Also don’t forget to lock up your cars and homes as many crimes are opportunistic. We continue to advocate for increased police resourcing throughout Queensland during the State Budget Estimates processes, as well mandatory and relocation sentencing, and at any time there is a change in crime trends in our community, we would immediately seek extra resources as we have done on many occasions which lead to specific responses such as ‘Operation Sandstorm’. Information on policing in Noosa is available here.

Grants and Reminders

For further State Government grant opportunities see the QLD Government Grant Finder or Grants Guru.

Parliamentary Speeches and Questions

Recent Questions on Notice (QON’s) can be found at www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Questions-on-Notice-and-Answers. and latest speeches at www.sandybolton.com/parliament/speeches

Upcoming Mobile Offices

Noosa Industrial Area Stage 2 & 3, Noosa Civic, Noosa Junction – August 2023

Follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive alerts of Mobile Offices times and locations in our electorate.

L-R: Honouring our  First Responders @Guns’N’ Hoses; Noosa Lions Changeover; Robert Schmitt JP receiving his 25 years award

Have Your Say

For a complete list of Queensland State Government Consultations, including on Incident and Disaster Warnings in Queensland, head to www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/gi

New submission periods are always opening for bills going through parliament committees so to hear firsthand and to receive other updates, you can subscribe at www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Visit-and-learn/Have-Your-Say/Subscribe

Office Reminders

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!

Connect

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, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding State related matters, or do not know where to start, please contact our office at 5319 3100 or via email to noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

And finally….

In amongst the month, I got ‘kitted up’ and learnt more about the incredible work our Fire and Rescue services do by crawling through a tunnel of ‘live’ fire that saw temperatures of 280 degrees. I adore and hold our first responders in the highest of esteem, however after this, now really understand the technical and physical aspects that are involved. As well that daily, they may not come home to their loved ones as every element they face, is fraught with unknowns. How blessed we are to have such amazing, courageous, and selfless people in our world.

 

Sandy 

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.