It’s time to get ready!
A little earlier than we would have liked getting ‘Team Noosa’ ready for the election in October, however with so many messaging and calling, there was little choice! As the only independent State Member of Parliament (MP) in Queensland for now 8 years, how blessed I have been to have you on this journey which demonstrates how unique our community is, leading in so many realms. I am very much looking forward to joining you in the coming weeks as we prepare to don our shirts and bandanas, share our wonderful story, and work to ‘Keep Noosa Independent’. Whether via donations, letterbox dropping, handing out at prepoll or sharing the ‘independent’ message, our campaigns are always respectful to all, fun, and very much a celebration of our community that we love so much. Sign up by 21 June at www.sandybolton.com/volunteer or email Noosa24@sandybolton.com.
L-R: @Noosa Farmers Market Mobile Office aka ‘Moby’, with Dylan’s shirts!
HOT TOPICS
State Facilitated Development (SFD’s) process
Following the Housing Affordability Bill passing on 16 April, which we opposed, and given that our communities were unaware of the ensuing consultation on the regulations associated, I requested that the Minister extend the period for two weeks via a Question Without Notice in Parliament, with a response that the Department would consider late submissions. After a meeting with state planners, I am not calling for us to raise our ‘placards’ yet, as reassurances have been provided to our concerns. These include that we require genuine affordable housing for our workers, and not open to vague interpretations through broad definitions in these draft regulations, nor outside of the expectations of our community.
Electric bikes and scooters
After my Adjournment speech in Parliament on the urgency to address safety concerns, I was advised that a dangerous rider on Noosa Parade has been charged with nine counts each of dangerous operation of a vehicle, driving without a driver’s licence, unregistered vehicle, and driving uninsured. We thank our police who have acted swiftly, and have posted a Noosa 360 update regarding at www.sandybolton.com/electric-bikes-and-scooters-update-may-2024, which also contains my speech and how other states are managing this.
Cooloola Great Walk Eco Project – Good news!
We have received a positive response to our request for no commercially built structures in the Great Sandy National Park, with assurance that Government is not proceeding with this project, whilst remaining committed to working with Kabi Kabi to realise their aspirations, and seek tangible social and economic benefits for them. Yes, this very long journey is over, demonstrating how credible, respectful and knowledgeable advocacy is powerful, and I thank everyone who has contributed. This from the very start four years ago included Ada from Friends of Kinaba, through to later stages Keep Cooloola Cool, Protect Our Parks, Cootharaba Community Association, and ultimately respondants to our survey. Gratitude to Ministers Healy and Linard for listening to our community.
Teewah Cooloola Recreation Area & Heavy Haulage
We will be lodging a submission to the draft Cooloola Recreational Management Plan, mentioned last newsletter, and are currently working with the Teewah Cooloola Working Group on theirs. However, what has been deeply disappointing on the environmental front, was the outcome to our request that Government implement the full recommendation from the 2022 Independent Review of Environmental Protection Enforcement and Compliance to give the Chief Executive powers to amend environmental authorities (EAs) when environmental impacts are not being addressed. With historical EAs granted decades earlier, the size, scale, nature and impact of the activity can change dramatically over time which can devastate communities as we have seen in our Noosa villages. Having spoken against the Environmental Protection Bill in Parliament available here, which is yet to be voted on, it is important to add your voice by writing to the Environment Minister, via environment@ministerial.qld.gov.au and cc’ noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au. My original submission when the bill was out for consultation is available here.
L-R: SES ‘WOW’ Day @Parliament; Waveni @ Friends of Creativity; With Indigenous Land & Sea Ranger team
MORE GOOD NEWS!
During Parliament, it was great to catch up with our Brisbane State Emergency Service (SES) teams as part of ‘Wear Orange Wednesday’ (WOW!), and I look forward to meeting with our units in Cooroy and Tewantin to celebrate them receiving $100,000 in the latest State Government SES grant rounds! In addition, southeast Queensland Councils including Noosa are set to share in $100 million for projects that will deliver critical housing and local infrastructures. Further information is available at www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/local-government/for-councils/grants/current-programs/south-east-queensland-community-stimulus-program.
L-R: With Noosa MP grant recipients: Marcus Beach Bushcare, Wildlife Noosa; Katie Rose Cottage Hospice
We were thrilled to join the Pomona Demons committee, volunteers, players and families to celebrate the club receiving $218,921 from the Queensland Government Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund which will completely replace the field lighting. Congratulations to all and thank you to the Department of Tourism and Sport for acknowledging the incredible value this upgrade will bring to this sport and community.
We also celebrated more successful Noosa MP grant applicants, including the incredible Marcus Beach Coastal Bushcare team, Wildlife Noosa and Katie Rose Cottage Hospice. All of these organisations and their volunteers do critical work for us, from bush regeneration to providing end of life care, saving our native animals and domestic pets, to fundraising and education, they do it all! If you would like to get involved, please get in touch with them.
Funded Home Birthing
As mentioned in a previous newsletter, having a baby at home in the second half of 2024 will be a funded option for mums who live within 30 minutes from the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCHHS). We requested a map to be prepared to capture the radius of eligible areas for greater clarity, with an update at www.sandybolton.com/funded-home-birthing-on-the-sunshine-coast-update-may-2024. If you would like to be considered for a homebirth, send an email to sc-mgp@health.qld.gov.au and/ or ask your GP to include homebirth interest with your referral. We will continue to follow up on the future expansion of the program.
Noosa River – Another Outcome!
Even though there is never time to celebrate achieving election commitments I make to our community, catching up with Kell and Gary from Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) on what I call ‘Stage 2’ of river reforms was the next best thing! Given the long journey that started as a newly elected MP to get to this point is almost another book. Over that time, I have worked with two Ministers (Thank you to Mark Bailey MP who made the many commitments to me that have been realised), two MSQ General Managers Angus and Kell (both every step of the way fabulous!) two Noosa Mayors, an advisory group, and diverse viewpoints! Most importantly, we head into this phase ensuring that any vulnerable resident would be supported, as this was a ‘non-negotiable’ for me.
L-R: With Tewantin Red Cross celebrating 110 years; Parkyn’s Hut ‘vollies’; Happy 90th Ron Sutton!
FROM THE CHAMBER AND BEYOND
There was good news this Parliamentary sitting, including our efforts to get longer sitting times or extra sitting weeks to ensure MPs could speak without the dreaded ‘guillotine’ were successful. An extension to another extension was granted, which I was happy about even though it meant speaking late into the night!
Our Emergency Services
Debating four bills at once is inappropriate, especially when you have to vote ‘aye’ or ‘noe’ to the bundle instead of voting on each individual bill! The Emergency Services Reform Bill, Marine Rescue Queensland Bill and the State Emergency Service Bill, I was firmly supportive of, as they ‘formalised’ what we had been advocating for on behalf of our local heroes including our volunteer Coastguard QF5. However, the fourth bill, Disaster Management, I could not as it stood given the concerns raised by our rural fire brigades. These concerns are essential to be addressed given the example we gave from Victoria, with more information available at www.sandybolton.com/rural-fire-brigade-structure-changes-disaster-management-and-other-legislation-amendment-bill-2024-update-may-2024.
L-R: with Kell & Gary from MSQ celebrating without ‘bubbles’; RSPCA Noosa’s One Million Paws Walk Fundraiser
Cost of Living
This appropriation Bill to enable Queensland households to receive an electricity rebate is better than none, however, the $1,000 payment misses many in desperate need, yet goes to those not in need, such as all MPs. We have to ask ourselves, when will the need to subsidise our living end, and where are the investigations that go beyond supermarket prices? That neither government nor the opposition raised fuel prices during a motion regarding the cost of living raises more questions as well eyebrows in our communities?
Manufactured Homes and Rentals
Another cognate (combined) debate, that saw the Manufactured Homes Bill bring in welcomed changes for owners in parks to ban the use of market rent reviews to increase rents and cap annual rent increases. The Residential Tennacies Bill was saw interesting arguments, that had me asking whether anyone had analysed what was being touted against would be realised, including fewer rentals? My speech covering both is available at www.sandybolton.com/parliament/speeches
In-between Chamber catchups
As always, there is so much before and after Chamber! Between meetings with Teen Challenge, Luther Heights Youth Camp and Voices for Victims, events included Collab creatives and lunch with our Indigenous Land and Sea rangers, with Noosa now on the ‘map’! Briefings were plentiful, such as around the drafted sub legisaltion on planning regulations in relation to Housing Affordability, and the Lake McDonald works.
ON THE HOMEFRONT
It is always a true joy to come together with our fabulous organisations and volunteers and this month saw bountiful celebrations! From handing out service awards at the Parkyn’s Hut (PH) breakfast, to enjoying some homemade treats and pizzas on the river to celebrate Red Cross’s 110th birthday, as well Tewantin’s 43rd birthday, all the way to morning tea with the Marcus Beach Bushcarers. Between them these volunteers keep our heritage alive, as well us and our environment, providing a much-needed place to effect change and a ‘catch up’ for residents which is irreplaceable. Thank you to all including my PH co-patron Elvie who inspires me in more ways than one! PS. Huge thanks to Ash and the Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club staff, and I am looking forward to celebrating your $250,000 grant from State Government to upgrade the sailing and rowing facilities soon!
L-R: Just some of the beautiful residents & staff @ Calvary Noosa & Riverlands Retirement Village
Other special gifts included attending Ronnie Suttons 90th birthday, where I learnt much and came away with some handy tips on fishing, camping and repurposing! As well where there are hidden treasures?
How I cherish catch ups with our matriarchs and patriarchs, especially the questions! At MP update sessions in Calvary and Riverlands, we covered so many topics, from youth justice, Beckmans Rd, our hospital services, Noosa River and more! Especially treasured was the hugs from buds. If you would like one of these vibrant, and at times hilarious, Q & A sessions, just contact my office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or on 5319 3100.
For Mother’s Day, we celebrated with the Noosa Dolphins Ladies, with the music so good that I did Nutbush City Limits in my pink boots! There are no words to describe what comes from ‘mothering’ or to be ‘mothered’. With my mum now no longer able to recognise us, or that her love produced 4 children,11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, we hold tight to memories, and moments where the simplicity of holding of hands means so much.
L-R: Noosa Dolphins’ Ladies Day
Mobile Offices and Meetings
This month included the fabulous Noosa Farmers Market, with our new work shirts on to make it easy for everyone to grab us for any Qs. Our businesses and producers shared both the good, as well not so good including new policies from the ‘Food Standards Australia and New Zealand’ around washing, sanitising, and storing leafy vegetables. This means greater costs to our farmers, and ultimately to us which is not good. Thank you to all who stopped to chat, get a newsletter or emergency evacuation info pack from Lisa and Dylan, and to all store holders who donate to Oz Harvest, as you make a huge difference in our world, which needs to be recognised. You are serious superstars!
We also had a full agenda with the Teewah Cooloola Working Group, mentioned earlier, the Noosa Business Roundtable and many meetings from local reps, residents and advocacy groups on the lead up to the State Budget! It has been an instrumental time on multiple fronts, and we are now working in readiness for the Estimate Hearings.
Events
As always there is a plethora of events! One was the 2024 Noosa Youth Conference hosted by the Noosa Environmental Education Hub held at the J which was brilliant, and how proud I was to open the event, and of our Noosa youngsters who were key note speakers! The theme of ‘It’s Up to All of Us’ and Custodians of Place showcased how we are all now custodians of this land, and what we can do as part of our responsibilities. Incredible knowledge was shared on a range of topics from marine and wildlife, and how we effect change by simply picking up rubbish.
L-R: Just some of our QLD Day Award Nominees: Shane Nelson; Christine Barry & Bernie Murphy; Phil Moran
We have so many wonderful volunteers and organisations who work in the broad areas of care whether in our land, winds or waters, with too many to mention individually, so I will again send my gratitude to all, and congratulations to those who contributed to the conference, as well to the attendees from schools across the Sunshine Coast.
The RSPCA Noosa’ One Million Paws Walk saw hundreds congregate along the Noosa River, with my task of judging the many fabulous outfits of both residents and their pooches super hard! A wonderful event where my walk turned into a run courtesy of one beautiful youngster, and to meet some real characters up for adoption was special. Thank you to Nic and RSPCA volunteers for all you do in rehoming our furry buds, and to all fellow walkers/runners!!
L-R: Love ‘Mums’ with P&C QLD; @ Noosa Biz Roundtable; With Taylor and Spencer @ Noosa Youth conference
And finally….
To finish, thank you everyone who nominated Noosa’s incredible selfless volunteers for our Noosa MP Queensland Day Awards, with the official ceremony to be held on June 6th at the J Noosa. We smashed last year’s record which is a testimony to how our heroes grow every year, and I am so looking forward to giving hugs of gratitude to them, and sharing in the next newsletter ‘snaps’ of this celebration and of these wonderful Noosans.
Speaking of our beautiful local legends, the loss of 2022 awardee and long-time Noosan Geoff Bone pictured with me was deeply saddening for all of us. A 54-year Rotarian, former president of Noosa Heads Rotary, and Rotary Youth Driver Awareness stalwart for 10 years, as well the impetus for the ten AEDs (Defibrillators) deployed along Noosa River, Geoff was instrumental in the success of many, many more Club projects such as PTSD awareness, and Queensland Flood relief. His legacy will live on in the decades ahead in so many ways, including how he made us all feel through his warmth and caring. Rest in Peace Geoff. You have set an example for us all of us to follow and be assured we will carry this forward every day in your memory.
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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Authorised by Sandy Bolton 1 Maximillian Road, Noosa North Shore 4565