This edition was written early to meet the Australia Post deadlines for the Annual Connect mail out, so don’t forget to subscribe to receive the Christmas edition as there will be much, much more to share!

This month was one of extremes. There was a deep appreciation of Noosan’s who through their ingenuity, passion and commitment effect change, whether through working together to address the impacts of shark nets on migrating whales, or via lifesaving innovations such as Helitak’s collapsible helicopter water tanks, now utilised globally. As always, I am immensely proud of our residents, organisations and businesses, and send hearty congratulations to our 20 finalists in this year’s Sunshine Coast Business Awards. Regardless of the final placings, you are all winners!

Then, we had frustration and anger from the unacceptable behaviours of some of our youth, and I thank everyone including Noosa Council and our police who came together to identify contributors and solutions, including extra police during peak times and the Red Frogs teams. For parents, please check where your youngsters are at night!

L-R: With the Helitak team and the LAT tank; Just some of our fab ‘vollies’; @ the Noosa Shark Net meeting

As we have seen, there is zero tolerance for repeat offenders with courts now recently refusing bail leading to understandably overflowing watch houses, and with more to come, we need extra facilities. Minister Ryan in response to my Question in Parliament said Government have invested in extra custodial infrastructure including bunk beds, expanded Capricornia Correctional Centre, reopened the Borallon Training and Correctional Centre, with the new prison at Lockyer Valley due to be finished next year. As always, please report any suspicious behaviours to our police, as we all need to be a ‘neighbourhood watch’. We have collated the latest information regarding Queensland’s efforts to reduce crime and posted to our website on Noosa 360 at www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360.

L-R: Moments during the Mobile Office aka ‘Moby’ @ Pomona/Cooran; @ Noosa Junction; @ Hilton Terrace

From the Chamber and Beyond

The Hate Crime and Vilification Bill debate came during an emotional time from the devastation that was occurring overseas. When my Legal Affairs and Safety Committee undertook this inquiry in 2021, the reality that many Australians are still singled out because of beliefs, colour, age or gender was deeply saddening. As I said in my speech, more than ever it is so important to develop greater understanding and compassion for our differences, especially in our formative years, as we all have a role in creating greater safety and stability in our homes and on our streets.

Last Parliament marked nearly 100 years since Irene Longman was elected as the first female MP to Queensland Parliament, and next election we may see the 100th elected! To celebrate, the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) brought together former and current female MPs as well the families of those that have passed, giving opportunity to chat with many trailblazers who even now, continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

As well in Parliament, it was sobering to hear from fellow Noosan Suzi who is a holocaust survivor. She outlined the devastation of past and of current events, and we all joined in her plea to end the violence overseas. Her story, and millions of others, continue to bring tears, though as she said, out of the horror and loss, came some hope, including through the development of the International Charter of Human Rights.

In amongst many other events including the Puppy Cuddles for Mental Health and testing of MP’s as part of Heart Disease Prevention was a fascinating insight on how innovation and science is securing our future food production from disease and climate extremes. Of great concern is that statistics show each Queensland household throws out annually $1700 in perfectly edible food. Now, what happened to end of week soup and those ‘leftovers’ creations?

Following the Crossbench’s joint release regarding the 2032 Brisbane Olympics in May and my letter to the Premier, we welcomed the Federal Government recommendation to urgently review the decision to host athletics events at the Gabba stadium and associated plans to demolish the East Brisbane State School. Further information is on Noosa 360 which includes a link to the full Committee Interim report, and the response to us from the Premier.

Our Youth Crime Parliamentary Select Committee has commenced, and since this was written we would have sought submissions, had briefings and undertook much research. As always, please check Noosa 360.

L-R: Puppy Cuddles for Mental Health Day; Q100 event; QLD Futures on Food Production

On the Homefront

It is always an honour to lay a wreath on behalf of our community for National Police Remembrance Day, and this years’ ceremony was especially moving with the loss of Queensland officers Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in keeping others safe. Whilst in Parliament it was Fire Fighter Remembrance Day, commemorating the 60 Queensland firefighters who have lost their lives while on duty saving us since 1877. In silence, we remember them all.

On a late Friday night, we laughed, and shed a tear, because of some brilliant short productions made locally that were part of the Sunny Coast Showdown courtesy of major sponsor Bendigo Community Bank. The immense talent of our producers and actors was showcased, as well our fabulous organisations and places such as Wallace House and the Bridge Club, with guest appearances by Sam Coward as a ‘Tradie’ having us in stitches. Top job everyone!

The Annual Great Noosa Trail Walk is a wonderful way to show off country Noosa, meet people from across Australia and New Zealand, and share many tall tales! The new Trail Map/Info guide from the Cooroy Futures team is fantastic; even I couldn’t get lost now (as I did a few years ago). Thank you to everyone, as well the awesome volunteers including the team from the Cooran Cutters for mouthwatering tukka, and to the over 250 who hiked.

L-R: Great Noosa Trail Walk hikers @ Cooran; The Cooroy Pomona RSL Sub Branch Dinner; 2023 Walk in Wings

From one walk to another, this time with ‘wings’ along our Noosa River, to celebrate the uniqueness in all of us! Gratitude to the Sunshine Butterflies team, incredible ‘vollies’, sponsoring organisations, and all who walked side by side including our furry family members on a magical morning where we all felt the love.

A special mention to all residents and businesses who got involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and raised funds for various organisations that assist both males and females through their treatments. The incredible generosity, dancing and laughter brought great joy to so many, and I even managed to do a bit of a ‘jig’ at Harbour town.

With so many events, and not much space, gratitude to all I enjoyed time with including at the Cooroy Pomona Sub Branch dinner, and the attendees at the Noosa Care AGM where I spoke on the changing space of aging.

In addition, the many businesses I immersed in during the four mobile offices across our electorate, and meetings with organisations, residents and the Local Disaster Management Group in readiness for the projected extremes in fire conditions over the next seven months. If you have not done so, get ready by heading to www.getready.qld.gov.au.

From the Inbox

With another whale calf caught in shark nets off Noosa Main Beach recently, it was good to be invited to chair a meeting of advocates and stakeholders, with key takeouts from the afternoon including the formation of a Working Group to investigate alternative shark control measures. Thank you to Caz from Surfriders, Cr Amelia and all in attendance for a fabulous and knowledgeable meeting, and I look forward to finding a way forward together!

L-R: Breast Cancer Fundraiser @ Noosa Marina; With Night Watch and Chaplain Watch; Police Remembrance Day

The decommissioned TAFE site continues to see misinformation abound! In summary, nothing has changed since our last update. When the Expression of Interest process for its future use was finalised in 2022, the announcement regarding the successful proponent was delayed due to Federal Court Native Title processes which is not specific to the site, rather the broader claim. This was hoped to have been completed last month, however with the claim being amended to three separate claims, we now have another wait until this has completed next year.

After our SEQ Floods in February–March 2022, Noosa residents contacted our office regarding the behaviours of their insurers and doubling, or refusal, of insurance premiums, seeking an inquiry which the Federal Government is currently conducting. We have submitted to and look forward to the Committee’s report and recommendations.

Regarding the Kin Kin Quarry’s application to the Federal Minister for Environment to clear nearly 10h of koala habitat, we have received a response to our submission. This acknowledged the concerns on the potential impacts on listed threatened species, noting our comments on community opposition to the project. As soon as a decision has been made and whether it has been determined a ‘controlled action’, we will update the community!

Further information on all of the above and more is available at www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360. Just use the handy search bar to find the topic you are interested in.

Grants and 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!

For State Government grant opportunities visit QLD Government Grant Finder – www.grants.services.qld.gov.au and Grants Guru – www.grantguru.com.au

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

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!

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 the end of November.

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.

L-R: Noosa Care AGM; Our fab Noosa Arts ‘vollies’; Progress on Six Mile Bridge#7 replacement

And Finally….

It continues to frustrate residents that divisions across Australia, within our communities and even families are furthered through the involvement of politics and politicians which is totally unnecessary. Whether in relation to the COVID pandemic, the Voice referendum, or at election times, instead of anger and fear, we should be able to have respectful debates and sharing of viewpoints, obtaining facts without angst!

At times, we will agree to disagree without the types of incitement of emotion that is detrimental in multiple realms. To disagree is okay, as our Queensland Parliament Crossbench does regularly, without headlines! We have an incredible community who consistently shows our strength by coming together, so please never lose sight of the power of unity through credible knowledge obtained, and empathy for differences. The words ‘progress is a result of collaboration, not division’ has never been more relevant, and why we need more than ever bipartisan agreements heading into our future.

We look forward to seeing you out and about, including during morning walks with my fabulous staff Lisa, Dylan and James (pictured) as part of the 10,000 Steps Challenge, otherwise we will see you in the Christmas edition!

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.