It has been a really big month, so forgive that we were not able to fit everything in as it would have been 10 pages!

Firstly, thank you to all who attended the information sessions and sent submissions regarding the draft Southeast Queensland (SEQ) Regional Plan. After conferring with the Minister for Planning and Noosa Council, I remain confident that the work being done in preparation for Council’s Housing Supply Statement will see any concerns around building heights and unsustainable population addressed, and we hope to have the ‘tick’ by early next year. Now, we must turn our attention to managing visitor numbers that will increase as populations to the south of us are projected to over the next decade, so it is important that everyone gets their feedback to Noosa Council’s Destination Management Plan available at https://yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au by 29 October. How we manage these numbers will ultimately determine the desirability for us as residents to stay and live here, and whether tourists wish to continue to visit!

Secondly, it was an honour to be selected as Chair of a new Parliamentary Select Committee to address crime, particularly youth offenders, one of the most complex and traumatic issues impacting Queenslanders. The importance of obtaining bipartisan agreements and recommendations is key, and I look forward to working with members from both sides of Chamber, as well advocates, victims and experts who will form a crime advisory group that has also been announced by the Premier and importantly, the new Victims Commissioner. A united stance is needed to keep communities safe, whilst reviewing the many contributors to criminal behaviours especially in our children and youth. We must identify actions needed both now and longer term, to see an end to the types of behaviours Queensland communities can no longer tolerate. With my efforts over the past 4 years for a review of our Parliamentary Committee system, this is an opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of creating a space free of politics for resolutions, and with this being the first independently chaired committee in QLD for two decades, it will be no doubt be under intense scrutiny! Given the commitment from all to see greater safety, I trust that committee members will leave their ideologies at the door for the greater good, and base decisions on reducing crime, versus gathering ammunition for further politicking.

L-R: With SC Police Award Noosa recipients; World Standup4r Nature Day; Noosa Surf Club Nipper Captains

From the Chamber and Beyond

The Justice Amendment Bill provided insights into the trauma inflicted every day in our communities by those who have little regard for others through their dangerous behaviours including causing the death of an unborn child, and sexual assault. Concerns were raised about disclosure of the identity of defendants, however, there had not been any evidence in other jurisdictions of this creating unintended consequences. Even though not named ‘Sophies Law’, the legislation that resulted from her tragic passing is a legacy that lives on, and as I said in my speech, our hearts go out to all who lose a loved one through senseless violence.

Following feedback from residents, I spoke in Parliament about areas for improvement in the Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Legislation. These include the criteria of residency, telehealth and decision-making capacity, without compromising the focus of VAD to remain high quality, safe, accessible and compassionate. The VAD Review Board has released their first annual report which covers some of our residents’ concerns in their recommendations, including continuous review, ensuring adequate ongoing funding and resources, amending legislation for telehealth, Medicare considerations, as well continuing community and stakeholder engagement. Further on this is available here.

With National Science week coinciding with a Parliamentary sitting week, STEM advances were the topic at the Futures Conversation breakfast covering everything from phytocapping to battery research, decarbonizing to sustainable aviation fuel! A key takeout? That the connectivity between sectors such as agriculture, medicine, resources, and energy keep growing, waste can be an ally, and that it is more important than ever to retain the very old trees we have and restore what we have taken previously. This to prevent our wildlife becoming another homeless statistic as it takes 200 years to develop a small hollow in trees for them to breed in.

It was great to connect with 26 of our ‘shakers’ and ‘movers’ as part of the inaugural Parliamentary Manufacturing Showcase event, including our very own Heads of Noosa Brewing Co, Sunshine & Sons, the Food Agribusiness Network and Cooroy local Stephen. From hospital equipment, recycled and very trending LP’s (remember those?) to merino wool undies, Maleny milk products and more, it was a top night with my only grievance being not taking the opportunity to test run the incredible sweet treats!

The Parliamentary Friends of Rural Fire Brigades saw MPs with our yellow ribbons mingling with these lifesavers including Volunteer of the Year Benjamin and our very own Ian Pike, President of the Rural Fire Brigades Association. As well Queensland Fire and Emergency Commissioner Greg and Acting Deputy Commissioner Joanne, Justin and Tony who I caught up to see the timeline for the new ‘toots’ for the Boreen Point team. A welcome announcement was $1m in funding for innovation for our rural teams!  Always, thank you to every member of our emergency services.

L-R: Just some of the many magical moments and volunteers at the 2023 Noosa Country Show

 

On the Homefront

It was an honour to co-open the new Olive Donaldson sports pavilion at the Noosa District Sports Complex. Congratulations to the Noosa Council team on a brilliant project delivered through a funding partnership between local, state and federal government as well Cricket Australia.  Olive would have been really chuffed, and being the adventure woman that she was (from flying to ballet and all between!) I have no doubt she would have been right amongst the Pickleball, followed by a quick game of cricket whilst refereeing netball, before zooming off in one of the gorgeous Noosa Beach Classic Car Club vehicles! Thank you to all who contributed and attended, including Olive’s granddaughter Rachel, and Dean who read a beautiful tribute from Olive’s stepson, the many volunteers, staff and friends of Olive, who did so much for our community over many decades, known fondly as ‘The Duchess’!

The annual Sunshine Coast Police Awards acknowledges the brave and tenacious members of our police service, and beyond! Our very own Senior Sergeant Anthony Cowan, Senior Constable Mark Jones and Senior Constable Graeme Rogers from Noosa received multiple awards, as well those we call our own but just over the ‘border’ Senior Sergeant Mal Scott and Senior Constable Marty Hunt. The District Officers Certificate, awarded to a civilian who has gone beyond what we would expect in efforts to keep our community safe, was Byron Mills from the Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club. This well known and loved Noosan assisted police during an incident in 2022 where he chased an offender, tackled and detained him, all whilst recovering from throat surgery. Thank you Byron!

The Noosa Surf Club Sponsor’s Breakfast celebrated our surf lifesaving teams and those who support them such as Tom Offermann who has done so for 30 years. Congratulations to all on another fabulous year including winning Sunshine Coast Club of the Year and the Junior and Youth Development Club of the Year. The Queensland Rail Institute (QRI) Bowls Championships at Noosa Lawn Bowls saw 26 teams descend from across Queensland.  As I relayed while going ‘bare foot’ to welcome them alongside Deputy Mayor Frank, gratitude to all including our Tewantin Noosa team of Craig, Ricky and Paul, and we look forward to February 2024 when the Australia versus New Zealand challenge will be held right here!

After attending the Noosa Country show for over 30 years, a massive ‘thank you’ to all who came out to support, to Rob and the Noosa Country Show society team and the many exhibitors. With our Emergency Services the theme for this year’s show, Deputy Mayor Frank and I were able to send our gratitude to them, as well a reminder for our youngsters to step up as volunteers for the show and our emergency response teams as they are our future.

It was wonderful to join Spencer and fellow Noosans at the inaugural World StandUP4Nature Day which was about what we can do!  As I shared when in the ‘hot seat ‘as to what nature means, it is the simplicity of immersing, the connectivity it delivers between all, and the healing that comes that we are yet to fully realise. As well the work we have been doing for an Independent Environmental Protection Agency for Queensland, ensuring that changes to the Environmental Protection Act are delivered including the reinstatement of Ministerial powers to amend historical Environmental Authorities, and office funds spent to identify ways to reduce wildlife ‘kills’ on our roads. Plus, the long journey for better management of the Noosa River, reducing impacts from excessive visitations to Cooloola and better protections for our turtles, with no time left to share other milestones! Thank you to fellow ‘hot seaters’ Dr Sue Davis, Ken Cross and ‘Glossy’ Bob Carey as well Cr Amelia who spoke on the removal of shark nets and the need for a National Ocean Sewerage Policy. A lovely afternoon, thank you Spencer, Mum Maxine and Dad Jarod.

On the Mobile Office aka ‘Moby’ front we visited businesses at Gateway Drive, Hilton Terrace, Noosa Junction and Noosa Marina in which at all locations AEO Dylan had to curtail a desire for retail/dance/pottery therapy! We ‘dug deep’ into challenges facing our diverse industries, and shared information on current surveys and the draft SEQ Regional Plan, and the importance of being a member of local business groups to keep updated.

In amongst these and another tearful Citizenship Ceremony where we celebrated being an Australian, Queenslander and Noosan, there were many, many meetings with residents, frontliners as well innovators in our community including Garry from EnergyFlex and Len from FLOWD who are aiming to reduce costs for consumers while reducing impacts to our environment. Becoming an early adopter and setting the example for other areas to follow is just one part of how as a community, we effect change. Please check our Facebook page for further details.

L-R: Noosa Junction ‘Moby’; Byron Mill awarded for his bravery; Olive Donaldson Pavilion Opening

From the Inbox

The proposed destruction of koala habitat by the Kin Kin Quarry led to submissions from myself, environmental groups, Noosa Council and residents to the Federal Government requesting that this application be deemed a ‘Controlled Action’ requiring further assessment, with a visit from our Federal MP Llew appreciated.  During a Question Without Notice (QWN) to the Queensland Minister for Environment, we were advised that the proposed vegetation clearing is not currently authorised under their Environmental Authority, and any such application received would be assessed thoroughly and rigorously considering impacts to koalas and other matters of state environmental significance. Should it be referred to the state government, I will be asking again for our community to respond. A copy of the full QWN and Answer is available on our Noosa 360 update here.

Following further advocacy from our office and others, the Queensland Treasurer has announced an extension of the expression of interest application period for the Payroll Tax amnesty until 10 November 2023 which runs until 30 June 2025. In addition, the Queensland Revenue office has released a new public ruling to make it clear, that under normal business arrangements patient fees, including the Medicare benefit and any out-of-pocket expenses will not be subject to payroll tax when they are paid directly by a patient to a GP for that GP’s services. We encourage all interested stakeholders, with any questions, to please read our latest Noosa 360 update here.

In addition, to the Treasurer and Minister for Resources for land valuation and land tax relief, it was a positive that even though we did not get the valuation freeze requested nor increased land tax thresholds, that the independent Valuer General has not included Noosa in the list of Local Government Area’s to be revalued in 2024. This ‘breather’ is appreciated while advocacies continue to see more improvements to the system  More information is available on our website here.

Regarding the Cooloola Great Walk Ecotourism Project (CGWEP), after 4 years of information gathering, fact checking, working with activists and advocates, sharing knowledge gained and a few headaches, the final part in this journey was our recent survey for Noosa residents on this proposed project. Although a ‘small’ majority of 53.38% were in support of the current activities including bushwalking, kayaking, surfing, tours, camping as currently conducted, the majority were against any form of new eco-accommodation sites. In response, I have written to both the Ministers for Environment and Tourism to seek a transition to an alternative CGWEP that will deliver outcomes sought by Kabi Kabi in job creation, sharing of culture and returning to Country, that does not involve built structures. Additionally, I have requested a review of the Nature Conservation Act and its references to eco-tourism to address the concerns relating to the ‘Cardinal Principle’. This is not retracting support for our First Nations People and their endeavours, rather clarifying how this can be done in a non-divisive way as we have seen the conflicted desires of our community to support Kabi Kabi endeavours whilst staying true to the intent of National Parks. Please find the full results to our Noosa MP survey here.

L-R: QRI’s 75th Bowls Championship; @ Friends of ‘Firies’; With the Minister for Youth Justice, Di Farmer MP

Stage Two on improved Noosa River management has commenced, with the first ‘tranche’ of actions resulting from the two-year process by the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee (NRSAC) and community consultation, following from our advocacies over a long journey! The first has been a change in speeds which some have welcomed and some have criticised, however as posted here, these changes for greater safety will be reviewed over the coming weeks. Signage and buoys are in place to assist boaties, with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) assuring that they will concentrate on education initially, however, will infringe when safety is compromised. The balance of the recommendations around mooring and anchoring will roll out over the coming months, with some requiring legislative change. Thank you to all who contributed to this ‘first’ for Queensland, including MSQ and Noosa Council who co-chaired NRSAC, which saw great debate, engagement, and lots of Facebook commentary!

Following the release of the very belated QLD Government report on Short Term Accommodation (STA), we have updated to Noosa 360 where they have stated that they will now consult with the Short-Term Residential Accommodation Industry Reference Group and the Local Government Association Queensland (LGAQ) on the review’s findings and recommendations, particularly on implementing a short-term rental registration system. We have written to the Minister to ensure that Government engages with Noosa Council, so they do not overlap with the registration system we have here. The Government should also consult broadly with residents and include funding support for Councils that run STA regulatory schemes. Please see our full update including a summary of the report itself 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

Pomona/ Cooran, Noosa Junction and Hasting St – October 2023

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

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

Local Government consultations – https://yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au

Federal Government consultations – https://info.australia.gov.au/news-and-social-media/public-consultations

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.

L-R: Industrial Mobile Office; With Matt from our Salvos; University Study into Noosa’s flood resilience

And finally….

We continue to assist genuine requests from residents experiencing ‘risk of’ or homelessness, however repeated reports of some I cannot discuss due to confidentiality requirements. Many of these situations are complex, and I ask as part of ensuring that everyone receives the appropriate assistance, money not be provided, as sadly there can be those who have a home yet portray homelessness due to addictions, mental health issues and loneliness.  Instead, please give the contact numbers we post up at www.sandybolton.com/keycontacts and if for any reason they do not have a phone, kindly offer to dial the number for the Homeless Hotline on 1800474753, Department of Housing on 53527333, Salvation Army Housing on 07 3832 1491 or my office on 53193100. If it is after hours, use the Homelessness Hotline or contact me via messenger. Some may reject the offered calls especially to myself or my office, as they may be well known to us, and we have raised the mental health issues of our community to the Minister for Health. This was also a topic of discussion in my meeting with Matt from our Salvos as part of instigating a local 24/7 support service, as well getting updates on an emergency housing project, and we even fitted in this years Community Christmas Day luncheon which we hope will be a riverside picnic. More as we finalise details!

With El Nino making this season especially dangerous for fire, and our first one already at Kin Kin, it is imperative NOW to get ourselves and our homes ready. This includes our evacuation pack with medications, as well provisions for our furry family such as travel cages, with information available at www.getready.qld.gov.au. If you have any new neighbours, please share this information as many are unfamiliar with living in heavily treed areas, and check with elderly living nearby to see that they have a plan in place. 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.

Until next month, stay alert, ‘get ready’ and report any dangerous and poor behaviours to our police as we are their ‘eyes’. Especially important is to ‘lock up’ as again we have reports of stolen cars that were left unlocked, or keys on hallstands in unlocked houses. This information that we are ‘easy pickings’ filters through to opportunists, and it is time to help our police. We all have a responsibility for our safety, and that of our family, neighbours and community.

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.